Safe Place Initiative

  The Milwaukee Police Department has announced a number of initiatives so far this year. Most of them are concerned about improving services for the citizens of this city and […]

Safe Place Initiative

 

The Milwaukee Police Department has announced a number of initiatives so far this year. Most of them are concerned about improving services for the citizens of this city and making lives safer overall. On Mondy, October 3, they announced a new initiative that will help the LGBTQ+ community and human trafficking victims. It will be called the Safe Place program. The police department, businesses and social organizations are working together to make the community a safer place to live. If you see the safe space sticker in the window that will let you know it is safe to stop in if you feel unsafe. Someone or you can then call 911 if you need help or you can just relax till you feel it is safe to leave.

“This is an important step Milwaukee needs, and has needed for a long time,” said Brad Schlaikowski of Courage MKE, which helps homeless and displaced LGBTQ+ youth. Schlaikowski said this will go a long way to help people realize they do have a place to go if in trouble. “Too long we see folks from our community, especially Black trans women, being hurt, harmed and more sadly murdered throughout our country,” Schlaikowski said. Two Black trans women have been killed in Milwaukee this year. One person is under arrest for one of the murders and could be charged with also a hate crime. The man was arrested at his south side home last week. The other murder suspect is still being sought.

“Being able to be a beacon to those who are being harmed who are suffering is the first place to start,” Chief Norman said. “If I’m walking past a building, and there’s this sticker in the window that’s blatantly saying, come in here—we’ll protect you—it’s a no brainer and it’s a win for the city,” Schlaikowski said. “This program is another great example of the Milwaukee community coming together in the name of community safety regardless where you are from, what language you speak, what religion you believe in, or who you love,” Norman said.

Businesses interested in taking part in this program can sign up at mkepdpio.org/safe-place.

Greg Thompson