Thanks to a generous donation from the Long Beach Police Foundation and former Mayor Bob Foster and his wife, the Long Beach Police Department’s interview room for victims of sexual assault or abuse.

“The Police Department is extremely grateful to the Foster family for their support of this important project,” police Chief Robert Luna stated. “Through their generosity, victims who have been traumatized by sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse and/or elder abuse will be able to be interviewed in a more comforting environment.”

The remodeled “soft” interview room is located at the Public Safety Building, which is home to the Special Victim’s Section which investigates sexual assaults, domestic violence and crimes against children and the elderly.

Officials said these crimes are very sensitive and the right approach and setting can help when interviewing those impacted by these incidents.

“What used to be a room with a worn-out sofa and a few chairs is now an amazing space decorated with welcoming furniture, children’s books, and soft stuffed animals, thanks to the Foster Family” said Bruce MacRae, President of the Long Beach Police Foundation. “We are proud to support the LBPD and our community by helping to make this happen. The remodeled room allows detectives to interview victims and witnesses who have gone through extremely tough situations in a more relaxed and comfortable environment.”