Law enforcement partners, together with local businesses, schools, and community organizations, designate locations in their communities as a Safe Places.

When someone is experiencing a bias crime, discrimination, or harassment, they can enter a participating Safe Place (local business, school, or community organization) for help and sanctuary.

The Safe Place partner will assist in contacting the police and allow the victim to stay safely on the premises until police arrive. 

The Safe Place logo is easily recognizable and will provide the victim with a safe environment, along with the support of the local community and law enforcement. 

Any local business, school, or community organization can participate in the Safe Place program. It is free to join, and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office will provide free decals specifically designed to represent the municipality it is displayed in. The program is not designed for residential use.

To become a Safe Place member, employees or staff must abide by two mandates if a victim of any bias crime, discrimination, or harassment enters the premises:

• If a victim enters the premises, 911 must be called immediately.
• Once 911 is called, the victim must be allowed to remain on the premises in a public area until police arrive.

To become a Safe Place member, please contact the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at safeplace@co.middlesex.nj.us.

• The Safe Place decal is 4 by 6 inches and should be placed at the main public entrance of the premises. 
• The decal should be placed 3-5 feet off the ground.
• The decal must be easily visible to anyone walking past your location. 
• If the location is a school or organization, the decal should be placed in an area where the community member could seek refuge in a designated safe location and seek a police response and services.