MTPD Safe Place Program
Monroe Township is a community with increasing ethnic, religious and cultural diversity. Essential to this growth, is the ability of residents to freely express their own cultures, customs and lifestyle without fear of bias or intimidation. Even today, vulnerable segments of our population, most notably the LGBTQ+ community, have increasingly become targets of hatred and bias incidents. The Monroe Twp. Police Department (MTPD) stands committed to providing for the safety and security of all residents and visitors – including the LGBTQ+ community.
The MTPD SAFE PLACE program exhibits our department’s commitment toward maintaining a safe, inclusive and accountable community. By posting the MTPD SAFE PLACE decal in locations visible to the public, Monroe Township local and regional businesses, public and private schools, community organizations and associations demonstrate their support for the LGBTQ+ community and announce that they are working closely with the MTPD in an effort to encourage reporting and reducing bias crime and intimidation. In doing so, participating entities serve as locations supporting safe and secure places for LGBTQ+ victims to go when they experience crimes, discrimination and/or harassment. Calling 9-1-1 and waiting for police to respond is imperative for suspect accountability, reducing crimes of hate and demonstrating a Township wide “no tolerance” policy towards discrimination.
MTPD Safe Place Mission
MTPD SAFE PLACE is geared to enhance the relationship between the Monroe Twp. Police Department, the LGBTQ+
community, victims of bias incidents, local businesses, schools and allies. MTPD SAFE PLACE will provide decals to
local businesses, schools, organizations and allies encouraging those locations and entities to clearly post the signage
at the entrance(s) and publicly visible areas in their premise as the symbol of safe haven for victims of LGBTQ+ crime.
The MTPD SAFE PLACE decals are designed to:
– Be highly visible, uniform and recognizable to the entire community
– Provide designated safe locations for community members to seek services
– Show support for the LGBTQ+ Community
Displaying the MTPD Safe Place Decal
Locations displaying the MTPD SAFE PLACE decal assume responsibilities that will greatly assist the MTPD in protecting
LGBTQ+ victims of crimes.
The MTPD SAFE PLACE symbol of safety will be recognized by residents and visitors and will indicate that your business,
school, organization or premise is willing to assist and protect LGBTQ+ victims. To execute this concept effectively, the
MTPD requests that business owners, managers and community leaders instruct staff, employees, teachers,
administrators, volunteers, counselors and/or students, etc. of the following protocol:
• Apply the MTPD SAFE PLACE decal outside the front entrance of your establishment, building, room, etc.
(approx. 3-5 feet high, if possible). If there is no glass at your front entrance, the MTPD SAFE PLACE decal can
be placed conspicuously inside your premise;
• Allow victims to enter and remain at your premise until MTPD officers arrive;
• Call or assist victims in calling: 9-1-1.
Request for MTPD Safe Place Decals
MTPD SAFE PLACE decals (4”x 6”) are provided FREE of charge. These decals are specifically designed for businesses,
schools, organizations and allies to post at or near the front entrance to their premise as a symbol of safety for victims
of LGBTQ+ related crimes and as a warning to criminal offenders. MTPD SAFE PLACE decals are NOT to be displayed
in private residences. If interested in participating in The MTPD Safe Place Program, please provide the name
of your business, the address, and your contact information by emailing us at:
SafePlace@monroetwppolice.org or calling our non-emergency phone number, 732-521-0222 ext. 141, for the
Safe Place Program Liaison.
Printable MTPD Safe Place Program Information Sheet
For more information on the origin of the Safe Place Program visit www.spdsafeplace.com