Cape Assist First to Implement Police Department Safe Space Stickers

Cape May County, NJ – Cape Assist has officially marked their doors with their new Cape May County Police Department Safe Space stickers, reminding locals and visitors that they are promoting public safety, as well as providing a physical location for anyone who may have been victim to hate crimes or harassment to come to. The non-profit, now alongside countless others, led by example as the first organization to participate.

“We’re proud to be the first, but more excited to see that these stickers are now in so many windows throughout the county. It's been a domino effect involving those who want to make a change,” said Katie Faldetta, Cape Assist’s Executive Director and CEO. “We’re stronger when we see our community coming together. This initiative is impactful and powerful.”

The CMCPO Safe Space sticker represents a partnership between police, the community, and local businesses who are all committed to making Cape May County a safer place to live and visit. It begins with a small window decal on the front entrance of a business or entity a symbol that embodies the message, “There is no place for hatred in that safe place!” Hate crimes are classified as incidents of violence, threats, and property damage based on race, gender and gender identity, religion, disability, sexual orientations, or ethnicity.

The Safe Space Initiative rolled out in early February with a Recognizing Bias Incidents and Hate Crimes Forum hosted by the Cape May County Police Department and Cape May County Prosecutors Office. During the forum, residents were able to voice their concerns and bring awareness and visibility to hate incidents within their communities in order to achieve one main goal: promote positive action and prevention.

The community outreach unit is under the direction of Cape May County Prosecutor's Office Captain Joseph Landis and staffed by Detective Mary Rybicki, Cheryl Spaulding Community Relations Specialist Law Enforcement/PIO and David Shutter Community Relations Specialist Law Enforcement.

“We’re proud to be serving as a resource for our community - with our community,” said Captain Joseph Landis, Cape May County Prosecutor's Office‘s community outreach coordinator. “It’s no secret that we have seen a rise in hate crimes over the last few years thus creating a gateway for mental health concerns. Improvements are being made, such as this program, on how we respond and handle these types of scenarios. We’re taking action. Our businesses, non-profits and community partners are taking action.”

To join Cape Assist and many other like-minded organizations by registering as a "Safe Place," please visit the community pages at www.cmcpros.net/community-page. Scroll down, click CMCPO Safe Place Initiative and complete the short form. To learn more about Cape Assist and its mission to prevent and treat substance misuse and related issues throughout Cape May County, go to CapeAssist.org.