Safe Exchange Zone Opens At Mount Vernon Police Station

HYBLA VALLEY, VA — In some cases of meetups for internet purchases, you may want to find a safe spot where you don't become the victim of a robbery or another crime. Fairfax County Police have introduced a new exchange zone at the Mount Vernon District Station.

According to Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck, the station has two dedicated parking spaces for safe meetups at at 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria. The spots can be used for online purchase meetings, child custody transfers, meeting a person for the first time, and more. The parking lot is under 24-hour video surveillance.

"Unfortunately, police across the country respond to numerous reports of robberies, assaults and thefts as people who just want to buy an item become unsuspecting victims," stated the announcement. "The police also respond to many domestic issues that arise from child custody transfers."

The parking spaces are located in the front parking lot near the purple glass recycling container. Individuals can contact police using the phone numbers on the sign (703-691-2131 for non-emergencies or 911 for emergencies) or come into the station to talk to an officer.

Police previously introduced exchange zone parking spaces in 2016 at the Sully District Police Station in Chantilly and earlier this year at the West Springfield District Station. The City of Fairfax Police also have an exchange zone at its police headquarters.