Bellingham Police Launches Hate Crime Victim Support Program

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  Bellingham Police Department announced the launch of a dedicated program to support victims of hate crimes“The Bellingham Police Department (BPD) and businesses in our community are teaming up to make it easier for victims of hate crimes to file a report. The new Safe Place™ program officially launches today, November 19, 2025.”
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  The announcement was made on July 23, 2026No usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The program offers resources and assistance to individuals impacted by hate crimes“Victims of hate crimes can enter any of these businesses and ask for help. Staff will give them a safe place to wait and call 911 for them.”
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  The program has a focus on improving community safety and trust“The City of Bellingham is committed to being a safe and welcoming place for everyone where hate crimes are not tolerated. In our city, this includes being targeted based on group identification or personal characteristics including race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or mental, physical, or sensory disability (RCW 9A.36.080). “We want victims of hate crimes to know you will be heard, treated with care, dignity, and respect by the businesses you enter, as well as by our police officers who respond to take your report and complete the investigation,” said BPD Chief Rebecca Mertzig. So far, three pilot businesses have joined the Safe Place™ program. Any qualified business is now invited to apply. “Every Bellingham resident deserves to live free from fear, intimidation, and hate in our community,” said Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund. “This important program makes it easier for victims of any hate crime to seek compassionate, informed help and file a report.” History of Safe Place™ BPD adopted the Safe Place™ program from the Seattle Police Department, which created it in 2015. Since then, Safe Place™ has been licensed and enacted by more than 300 law enforcement agencies across the United States, Canada, and Europe. The program started as a way to encourage people to report anti-LGBTQ+ crimes and school bullying by building trust between the community and law enforcement. In 2018, the program expanded to include victims of all hate crimes.”
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  Details about specific services, such as counseling referrals or legal aid, were not provided in the public announcement“The Safe Place™ program aims to begin the process of empowering those against whom a hate crime is committed to report the incident immediately, so a proper investigation is started swiftly.”
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  The initiative follows increased reports of hate crimes in the regionNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The department did not specify exact numbers or trendsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Residents are encouraged to contact the police department for more information about available supportNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.