Prince George
County, VA

Police Offer "Safe Exchange Zone"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Persons:
Chief W. Keith Early
Prince George County Police
804.733.2773

June 13, 2017

(Prince George, VA) – Police offer “Safe Exchange Zone”
Effective immediately, the Prince George Police Department is offering a new “Safe Exchange Zone” location to citizens. “Safe Exchange Zone” consists of two designated parking spaces in the parking lot adjacent to the Prince George Police Station, located at 6600 Courthouse Rd. These two parking spaces are under video surveillance 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, 365 days-a-year, with parking being restricted to those utilizing the zones.

The concept behind Prince George Police Department’s “Safe Exchange Zone” is to give citizens a safe place to execute custody transfers, private party exchanges from online purchases, and/or other private party transfers where safety may be a concern.

More and more citizens are making private party purchases via online applications. Newer, more specialized services, offer free, mobile classifieds applications that allow users to buy from, sell to, and chat with others locally. The common theme with all of these transactions is that people are arranging to meet with unvested strangers with cash in hand. Unfortunately, there have been reports of crimes perpetuated in some surrounding areas during these types of transactions.

If someone involved in an exchange is not willing to meet at a “Safe Exchange Zone,” the transaction may not be worth pursuing. The Prince George County Police Department recommends using the Exchange Zone Monday thru Friday, 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.