Powell River detachment of the RCMP is officially launching the RCMP safe place program next week.
According to a media release from the Powell River detachment, the RCMP safe place program allows participating premises to be recognized and identified as a safe haven for members of the LGBTQ2S+ community if they are a victim of crime, are feeling unsafe, or are in distress.
“That individual will be welcomed in and assisted,” stated staff sergeant Rod Wiebe. “Assistance in calling the police will be provided if required and they [the people feeling threatened] will be permitted to remain until officers arrive to assist.”
Wiebe stated that participation in the program is very simple: a business, organization, school or institution fills out an application form and pledges to agree to instruct the organization’s employees to assist the victims and/or witnesses to anti-LGBTQ2S+ crimes by calling police on their behalf and allowing them to remain on their premise until police arrive. Participating organizations will be provided a safe place decal and poster to display in their window or other conspicuous spots.
For businesses, organizations, schools or other institutions wanting to take part in or interested in finding out more information about the safe place program, Wiebe can be reached at the detachment by phone (604.485.6255), or via email at [email protected].
