Safe Exchange Zone Set Up At Bernards Township Police Department

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The Bernards Township Police, in coordination with the Township Committee and the Department of Public Works, have established a "Safe Exchange Zone" for residents buying or selling items online, or for custody exchanges.

As usage of internet buy/sell sites has increased significantly over the last several years, so has the potential for criminal activity related to such transactions. Meeting someone at your home or at an unfamiliar location can expose people to being victimized.

This area will allow residents to conduct exchanges in a public area under the watchful eye of video surveillance 24 hours a day. The goal of this project is to provide a space for residents to feel a bit more at ease in a moderately controlled environment, especially when exchanging cash.

Rather than having to share their personal address and having strangers come to their home, residents can meet in not only a neutral location, but one that is on camera.

Theresa Creedon, a longtime township resident, prompted this initiative after sharing a social media post from another New Jersey police department showcasing their exchange location, along with the statement, "Would love to see this in our town."

Deputy Mayor Jennifer Asay immediately recognized the benefits of designating such an area to service the needs of the residents and reached out to Bernards Police Chief Jon Burger for guidance.

A short time after being entrusted with managing the logistics, the Police Department appropriated this area which has been clearly marked with signage and painted markings.

Located in the visitor parking lot of the Bernards Township Police Department at 1 Collyer Lane, these two spaces, in the lane closest to the building, are reserved with a 15-minute parking restriction.

While providing this site for transactions should serve as some peace of mind, the Bernards Township Police Department will not provide police personnel to witness or monitor exchanges or transactions and thus the Township of Bernards and the Police Department will make no guarantees, assurances or promises as to the safety or security of any in-person transactions that may take place on township property.

The Township of Bernards or its employees are not responsible for the value, authenticity, or legitimacy of such transactions.

Should someone need to file a report, individuals may contact the police on the non-emergency line at 908-766-1122. In an emergency dial 9-1-1 for a police response.