It's the first program of its kind in Ontario.
Peel Regional Police have announced the creation of the Safe Place program which is not unlike the old Block Parent program.
What it does is provide a secure location for victims to report a hate-motivated crime and to get the assistance they need, with compassion and dignity.
The businesses sign up and recieve a sticker for the front window of their store. According to Peel Police, it will serve to notify members of the LBGTQ community that the business is committed to providing safety to the victim by allowing them to enter their business, provide them with shelter and safety and by assisting the victim in contacting police to report hate-motivated crimes and incidents.
Chief Jennifer Evans says in a release, "Hate motivated incidents continue to occur and that is an unacceptable reality. It is therefore important that as a community, we work together to send a message of unity and support to all members of the LGBTQ+ community represented in the Region of Peel. I am happy to say that Peel Regional Police are working with local businesses to strengthen that unity. We would like to thank Brampton and Mississauga Board of Trade for participating and getting this to all their members. This promotes our vision of A Safer Community Together."
James Dubro, a crime writer and resident of the gay village in Toronto says this is a very interesting concept.
"It's wonderful that police are reaching out this way, we were trying to think of new ways to get police and the communities together."
He admits in most serious cases, 9-1-1 will still be called, but he says this is a good start to bridge the gap between the gay community and police.