A safe exchange zone for online buyers and sellers, or families making custodial exchange of children, has been established at the Woodland Police Department. It is available to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is under video surveillance at all times.
The safe, well-lighted zone is in the public parking lot on the north side of the Police Department, 1000 Lincoln Ave.
West Sacramento police also offer a safe exchange zone at their department, 550 Jefferson Blvd. While no official zone is in place at the Davis Police Department, Lt. Tom Waltz said citizens may use the parking lot at 2600 Fifth St. for legitimate exchanges.
The safe exchange zone may not be used to make illegal transactions of narcotics, dangerous or deadly weapons, or any other dangerous materials, Woodland police said.
In addition, department employees will not act as witness or be a part of any transaction, as police personnel are not trained nor authorized to validate the legitimacy of any transaction, item for sale, or integrity or legality of a sale.
“If you intend to pursue a meeting to purchase or sell an advertised item from any individual you do not know, please be cautious and do not provide personal or financial information,” the department advised.
“Also, ensure the background location and items in the photographs you post or send do not inadvertently reveal personal information, location information or other items, which may attract online predators.”
For more information, call the Woodland Police Department at 530-661-7800.