Casciano’s in Hammonton is the first business to sign up.

A cafe in Hammonton is the first to be recognized as an official Safe Place by the Atlantic County District Attorney’s Office.

Atlantic County Safe Place is dedicated to combating hate crimes.

The District Attorney’s Office has joined more than 350 international law enforcement agencies in achieving certification as a partner of Safe Place. Safe Place promotes safety, provides training and education, and supports victims and targets of bias-related incidents and hate crimes that occur in Atlantic County.

Hate crimes are crimes that target race, color, religion, sex (including orientation or gender identity), ancestry, disability, and/or marital status.

Casciano’s Coffee Shop & Sweetery on Bellevue Avenue in Hammonton is the first business in the district to officially register. It is owned by Linda Cashan.

Other companies have followed this example, according to the public prosecutor’s office.

“Hammonton is an inclusive community with a diverse range of people of different nationalities, cultures and preferences,” said Police Chief Kevin Friel. “Our job is to keep everyone safe and keep our community as healthy as possible.”

Owner Linda Cashen points to the “Safe Place” sticker featuring LGBTQ+ law enforcement liaison Detective Caryn Campanelli.

According to the office, bias and hate-related crimes and incidents are statistically underreported, often due to victims’ fear and concern that their complaint will be ignored. When Safe Place is used, individuals seeking help are treated with care, dignity and respect by participating organizations and responding police departments.

The sole responsibility of the person in the public building or business is to allow them to wait safely until the police arrive.

“I am proud that Atlantic County has taken this step to bring this program here and that we have a program in place that makes it very clear that residents and visitors from all walks of life are supported and protected here in Atlantic County,” said Caryn Campanelli, the county’s LGBTQ+ law enforcement liaison detective.

ACPO will reach out to additional communities throughout Atlantic County regarding Safe Place, including police departments in each city.

“The Safe Place sticker signals to the public “There is no place for hate in our communities and anyone who feels threatened because of who they are is welcome in this facility,” said Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds.

The initiative will be one of four panel discussion topics at the “Breaking Bias: Bridging Divides in Criminal Justice” event on September 13 in the Fannie Lou Hamer Room on Stockton University’s Atlantic City campus.

Cashan will be a panelist representing the business owner’s perspective and explaining why Safe Place is important as a symbol of safety and equality in her business.

All businesses in Atlantic County are invited to register.

Click here to learn more about Safe Place and/or register your business or public building.

Register for the panel event here.