Danville Police Host Safe Exchange Spot

DANVILLE, CA — The Danville Police Department has opened a Safe Exchange Zone next to its headquarters for anyone to safely buy or sell items.

The Safe Exchange Zone consists of two designated spots next to the dumpster area of the parking lot at 500 La Gonda Way. The areas are under video surveillance 24/7, though officers will not be present during transactions, and videos will not be monitored in real-time.

A number of police departments and municipalities are creating similar zones across the country due to the risks that come with in-person exchanges arranged online. A report from ProPublica found that at least 13 murders were associated with Facebook Marketplace meetings between March 2020 and September 2021.

Danville police recommend telling a trusted family member or friend when and where you plan to meet someone, and only conduct transactions during daylight hours.

Safetradespots.com provides a list of safe exchange spots around the country. Safe exchanges can also be conducted at Dublin Police Services, the Pleasanton Police Department, the Pleasant Hill Police Department, and the Concord Police Department, among others.

For more information on Danville’s exchange, call the Danville Police Department at 924-314-3700.