Safe Place Program

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Designed to encourage the reporting of bias crimes or incidents

The Summit Safe Place Program is a Union County initiative and partnership between the Summit Police Department and area businesses and organizations that promotes a citywide zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination, advancing a shared commitment to providing for the safety and security of all residents and visitors.

The program establishes safe places for victims of bias, harassment, discrimination, bullying, or hate crimes to find shelter while calling 911 for help. 

Union County and the City of Summit defines these as incidents related to race, color, religion, gender expression or identity, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, political ideology, age, parental status, national origin, or ethnicity.

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Display a rainbow shield in a window to indicate Summit Safe Place status. If there is no window, the shield should be posted in an obvious location near an entrance.

If a victim of any bias incident or crime enters a premise, instruct staff, employees, teachers, administrators, volunteers, counselors or students to assist the victim by calling 911 immediately and allow them to remain in the premises until police arrive. 

More information on assisting victims and reporting bias crimes can be found at cityofsummit.org/police.

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sunny view of Downtown Summit from woodland avenue
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Contact

Summit Police Officer David Kotiga is the Summit Safe Place Coordinator and will be contacting local businesses, organizations, and schools about participating.

For questions or to request program materials, contact Officer Kotiga at 908-598-2113 or CPU@SPDNJ.org.

There is no cost to participate.

Program resources

  1. Summit Safe Place Program flyer
  2. Safe Place Program News Release 112222
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