Safe ‘Exchange Zone’ at Pleasanton Police Department Intended to Protect Residents

PLEASANTON, CA — Pleasanton residents now have a safe place to conduct child custody exchanges or e-commerce transactions without fear of being victimized. The Pleasanton Police Department recently debuted a designated safe “Exchange Zone” in the parking lot that is well lit and under 24-hour video surveillance. The video is not monitored in live time.

The proliferation of online transactions has led to an increased risk of being victimized during the exchange of goods. The lot offers residents protection from robbery and other potential crimes.

“Police officers will not be present during transactions, but this designated area will potentially deter individuals wanting to engage in criminal activity,” police official said in a statement. “Additionally, using the Exchange Zone helps citizens maintain a level of privacy by not disclosing the location of their homes.”

Police departments have long been used for child custody exchanges but using them for private party transactions has also been on the rise over the past several years, according to police officials.

The idea seems to be catching on around the state. Buena Park Police Department in southern California also created a “safe exchange zone.”

Photos contributed