As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Wheeling Police Department is continuing its commitment to being a local “Safe Place” by re-introducing its safe room inside police headquarters.

The safe room is located just inside the front entrance of the police department and is always open and available should anyone feel in danger or concerned about their safety. The room’s concept is simple. All you do is enter the room and close the door, which activates an alarm to let police know someone is inside the room and needs help. An officer will then open the door from the interior side of the building and bring them to safety.

The safe room is monitored 24/7 and is a unique feature that was built into the department’s new headquarters, located at 2115 Chapline Street in Center Wheeling when it opened last year. 

The room is an enhancement to being a “Safe Place” – a nationwide initiative that WPD has participated in for nearly two decades.

Safe Place is a national youth outreach and prevention program for young people needing immediate help and safety. As a collaborative community prevention initiative, Safe Place designates businesses and organizations as Safe Place locations, making help readily available to youth in communities across the country. 

The Safe Place program is administered locally by Youth Services Systems, Inc. Fifteen locations are available in Wheeling/Ohio County and are marked with large exterior yellow “Safe Place” signs.