By Matthew Sockol
Staff Writer
FREEHOLD – A new program has been initiated by the Freehold Borough Police Department to provide protection for buyers and sellers involved in transactions with individuals they have not previously met in person.
On May 4, the police department initiated its Safe Exchange Zone program, which is intended to help reduce potential dangers that could occur during the purchase of items that were advertised online or through classified advertisements published in newspapers.
“The Safe Exchange Zone provides us a safe space so people can meet with a person they don’t know,” Mayor Nolan Higgins said.
Designated as safe exchange zones are the main lobby of the Freehold Borough Police Department, 36 Jackson St., and the sidewalk in front of the lobby’s doors. Both areas are monitored by 24-hour video surveillance cameras. The surveillance cameras do not record audio. The lobby is occupied by office personnel Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
According to a press release provided by the police department, the Safe Exchange Zone may not be used to make illegal transactions. Police department employees will not act as witnesses nor be a part of any transactions.
Police Chief Glenn Roberts described the Safe Exchange Zone as another resource for the community.
“People who buy products online through Craigslist, Facebook, etc., can have a place where they feel safe to come and exchange those items,” Roberts said.
According to Roberts, Councilman Ron Griffiths presented the police department with the idea of the Safe Exchange Zone.
“I saw it as a preventive measure of low cost to the borough to provide service to the community,” Griffiths said. “Knowing the number of crimes that are committed and the billions of transactions that take place, it seemed like a reasonable thing to do.”
Although no incidents have been reported in Freehold, borough officials noted that many deaths occur nationwide due to Craigslist transactions.
To further reduce potential risks, police recommend that individuals conduct transactions during daylight hours, be accompanied by another individual and inform friends and/or family members they will be making a transaction.
Signs designate the recorded areas as safe exchange zones. The surveillance system was installed prior to the program’s inception. There are currently no plans for additional safe exchange zones. Use of the Safe Exchange Zone is voluntary and the transaction area may be used by residents of any municipality.
