Montgomery County Sheriff Creates Safe Exchange Zone

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office has created a safe exchange zone to give people a way to make transactions and have face-to-face contact.

Sheriff Derrick Cunningham says with  the increasing use of the internet to conduct personal online sales, people can exchange goods in the safe exchange zone outside the sheriff’s offices at 115 South Perry Street downtown.

He says the space is a clearly marked, well-lit and 24-hour recorded  surveillance parking area.

It can also be used for child custody exchanges. Transactions, child drop-offs and legal interactions are permitted but gun or weapons exchanges are not allowed.  

Safe exchange zone outside the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, 115 S. Perry St. – Photo from Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

When buying or selling online items, Cunningham encourages you to:

1. Always meet the buyer or seller at an area that is populated, well lit, and preferably at a law enforcement safe exchange zone.
2. If possible, take someone with you, or let someone know of your whereabouts.
3. Inform the buyer/seller you will not be alone.
4. Never give out personal or financial information.
5. Trust your instincts ─ if it sounds like a scam or too good to be true, it probably is.