Connecticut State Police partner with businesses to provide safe places to get help

SOUTHBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — Connecticut State Police have launched a new program designed to help victims of any kind of crime walk into a business and be in a secure location while police are called.

All someone has to do is walk into a business and let the owner know that they are in distress, and the owner will call 911.

Safe Place program originated in Seattle and has now been brought to Connecticut. Trooper Samantha Stella it’s in its beginning stages.

Several businesses in Southbury and one in East Haddam have signed up. Programs at various technical schools are also trying to help bullying.

Tammy Dunn, the owner of the Cottage At Main, said she was eager to sign up for the program right away. She believes it’s a unique idea for community businesses to be there to help other people in their time of need.

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Stella said while the program initially was launched to focus on hate crimes, it now encompasses any kind of crime. State police want to be very clear that this is not some kind of vigilante group, and they should leave the police work to police officers.

Connecticut State Police hope to have various kinds of businesses on board, including places like grocery stores, banks, retail shops, gyms and veterinary clinics.

If a Connecticut business is interested in being part of this, they can reach out to the Hate Crimes Unit with Connecticut State Police for more information.

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