The City of East Orange, under the leadership of Mayor Ted R. Green, the East Orange City Council, and the East Orange Police Division (EOPD), is launching Essex County’s first Safe Place Program, a partnership between law enforcement and local businesses to provide a safe environment for victims of hate, bullying, or threats.
An official announcement will be made on Tues, March 11 at 11am at EOPD Headquarters' ComStat Room at 15 S. Munn Avenue in East Orange. Representatives from the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, Essex County's LGBTQ Affairs Office, and Garden State Equality will also be in attendance.
Participating businesses have voluntarily agreed to display an “East Orange Safe Place” window decal that can easily be seen by patrons or passers-by in need of assistance. Should a victim enter a business and need help, business owners or employees are asked to call 911 immediately and allow the victim to remain on the premises until police arrive.
“The Safe Place Program is an active collaboration between local police departments, businesses, social organizations, and schools in order to make communities a safer place to live,” said Police Chief Phyllis L. Bindi. “Under the direction of Mayor Ted R. Green, the East Orange City Council, and Public Safety Director Maurice Boyd, EOPD is committed to the safety of East Orange residents and visitors and protecting their freedom from bias incidents and hate crimes that include, but are not limited to race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, national origin or ethnicity.”
This initiative began in Seattle, Washington in 2015 as an effort to reduce LGBTQ bias incidents, as well as hate crimes. East Orange is now among the more than 300 law enforcement agencies worldwide participating.
Mayor Green emphasized the importance of the program and creating a network of safety, acceptance, and love throughout the city.
“We are committed to ensuring that everyone who lives, works, or visits our city feels secure and welcomed. I would like to thank our local businesses for opening their doors for this vital initiative,” said Mayor Green. “Bullying and hate simply have no place in our community, and we stand united in our efforts to make East Orange a safe space for everyone.”
To date, the following eleven (11) businesses are participating:
- Sunoco/ Subway, 85 Dodd Street
- Lerro Enterprises, 35 Main Street
- 7-Eleven, 247 Freeway Drive East
- Scott’s Flowers, 526 Central Avenue
- The Angel Spot, 609 Central Avenue
- Lukoil Gas Station, 544 William Street
- Fresh Deli Market, 480 Park Avenue
- Scovil’s Barber Shop, 460A Central Avenue
- Brendalyn Restaurant, 93 Greenwood Avenue
- One Stop Hardware, 97 4th Avenue
- Lloyd Barber Shop, 97 B 4th Avenue
Any business wishing to join the city’s Safe Place Program can call EOPD’s Community Relations Division at 973.266.5070 or email yjohnson@njeopd.com.
