Fanwood ‘Safe Place’ Initiative Seeks To Help Hate Crime Victims

FANWOOD, NJ - A new partnership between Fanwood police and local businesses aims to reduce hate crimes in the borough, town officials said.

Spearheaded by Fanwood Police Sergeant Daniel Piccola, the Safe Place program allows Fanwood businesses to designate themselves as a place of refuge after a hate crime. Businesses can then report the alleged crime while victims are sheltered.

“This program does two things,” the borough said in a statement. “First, it lets patrons know where the business stands on bias and hate crimes because hate has no place in our communities. But more importantly, it says to any victim that no matter your background or status you will be heard, you will be treated with care, dignity, and respect from the business you enter, as well as from the police officers who respond out to investigate.”

Scotch Plains recently launched a similar program earlier this year. Read more: 'Safe Place Initiative' Launched In Scotch Plains

Union County bias crimes increased last year, per state records; Fanwood reported two hate crimes during that time period. Read more: Bias Crimes Up In Union County, 2 Reported In Fanwood

Becoming a Safe Place business in Fanwood is free. Designated Safe Place businesses will be sent a Safe Place sticker, training materials, and flyers all at no cost. To become a Fanwood Safe Place Business, employees must be trained on allowing victims inside businesses and calling 911 as soon as possible to report the incident.

“The Safe Place Program was created to start bridging that gap between victims of hate crimes and the police,” the borough added. “The Fanwood Police Department, along with other agencies in Union County and around the country, are letting the world know where we stand on hate and bias crimes.”