Dayton Police Launch “Safe Exchange” Spots

The Dayton Police Department’s East Patrol Operations Division announces the launch of the Safe Exchange program. Safe Exchange is designed to provide a safe location for families to make custodial exchanges and to assist residents with the exchange of products purchased or sold online. This service is part of the Dayton Police Department’s commitment to community safety.

There are now designated areas at East Patrol Operations Division North (417 E. Helena St.) and East Patrol Operations Division South (2721 Wayne Ave.) where online buyers/sellers and parents or guardians can meet to make needed exchanges.

Once both parties have agreed on exchange terms, they may meet at one of the two locations and look for the “Safe Exchange Zone” sign near the main entrance. The building lobby at the either location will be available during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday). If the lobby is not accessible, the parking lot is also a safe exchange zone because it is monitored and recorded by video surveillance. In addition, a peace officer may be requested to be present during the exchange by calling 333-COPS.

No firearms are permitted anywhere on Dayton Police Department property. The Department will not be utilized to make transactions of illegal products, dangerous or deadly weapons, or any other dangerous materials.

While the Safe Exchange program has been established to provide a safe area for online buyers and sellers to meet, it is important to remember that the people you meet online are strangers and may not have your best interests in mind.

Here is some additional information to consider when making or planning online purchases or transactions:
Use websites you are familiar with.
Never provide personal information over the Internet.
Never make an online purchase using a credit card on a site that does not have an SSL.
When taking photos, utilize the cut and paste method from a Word document. This will make it difficult to utilize GPS location programs.
Use photos only of the item(s) you are selling. Other items in the background can represent additional targets for a would-be criminal.
Ask a lot of questions.
Don’t go to a transaction alone, and show up early.