Austin Police Seek More Safe Place Locations Across City

AUSTIN, Texas (TXAN 24) — The Austin Police Department is encouraging businesses, nonprofits, apartment offices and community organizations to become Safe Place certified locations as part of an initiative aimed at supporting victims of hate crimes and bias incidents.

Safe Place locations serve as temporary safe havens for individuals who may be experiencing a hate crime or bias-related incident. Certified locations provide a secure environment and assist individuals in contacting 9-1-1 while waiting for officers to arrive.

The program includes a free 45-minute training conducted at participating locations by APD staff. Organizations that complete the training receive Safe Place decals to display, identifying them as certified locations within the network.

According to APD, Austin currently has more than 120 Safe Place certified locations throughout the city. Officials are seeking additional participants to expand the network and increase access to support resources for community members in need.

The department says the program is open to a wide range of organizations, including private businesses, nonprofit groups, apartment management offices and other community-based entities.

Organizations interested in becoming Safe Place certified can request training through APD’s Safe Place program website.