June 27, 2019
You’ve
struck an online deal with a person to buy, sell or trade an item. Now what?
The Richmond Police Department now offers two Safe Exchange Zones where you can
meet and transact your business in well-lit areas with 24-hour video recording.
“These
zones are excellent locations to conduct your business with a relatively
unknown person as these types of meetings carry with them some uncertainty,”
said Fourth Precinct Commander Dan Minton. “Custody exchanges are also
sometimes fraught with emotion so it’s good to know the video is always recording.”
The
zones are in the parking lot of two precincts:
·
Second
Precinct, 177 E. Belt Boulevard
·
Fourth
Precinct, 2219 Chamberlayne Avenue
Since
a video recording can only assist detectives in attempting to identify a
suspect after an incident occurs, the public should continue to observe safety
precautions. Indeed, a Safe Exchange Zone sign at each location indicates that
the Department assumes no responsibility or liability for transactions, damages
or injury, nor does the city of Richmond. Due to the varied schedules of
precinct officers, the Department cannot guarantee an officer will be on the
property at all times.
