While rainbow crosswalks have spread across British Columbia to help convey the message that LGBT are welcome and included in communities throughout the province, another program is helping LGBT people know where they can be certain about receiving assistance in a time of need.

The Vancouver Police Department introduced its Safe Place program in August 2016, following the lead of the Seattle Police Department’s program initiated in May 2015.

The program involves participating businesses, organizations, schools, and other institutions (which submit applications to join the program) displaying decals in windows to identify premises as LGBT allies and shelters where LGBT people can turn to when feeling unsafe or in distress. These locations have committed to serving as havens for LGBT people where they can contact police and remain until officers arrive.

Anyone interested in finding out more information about the program can contact Cpl. Amanda Galenzoski at 778-593-3600.

Other RCMP detachments in the Lower Mainland that have previously introduced the program include Langley and Chilliwack.