Canonsburg has safe space for exchanges
Concerned about meeting a person you never met before to retrieve a purchase made on an online sales site or worried about how an ex-spouse will handle exchanging the custody of the children? There is now a safe spot where it can be done.
Canonsburg designated an Online Green Zone, painting lime green stripes along a space in the lot adjacent to the borough building that is monitored around the clock by a surveillance camera that feeds into a system in the police station. It is the fourth space on the left off East Pike, right next to the borough building.
The growing trend to create these safe exchange locations was started last year by a police department in Massachusetts.
“There are so many online garage sales any more,” said Mayor David Rhome. “Most people don’t like strangers coming to their home and wilinstead meet in a place like a fast-food parking lot. This gives them a little more protection.
“You see there have been some tragic incidents that have occurred during these exchanges,” he added. “We are trying to eliminate that.”
Police Chief Alex Coghill said other municipalities in the area established these zones, and it is working well.
“The exchanges can be made here, right next to the police station,” Coghill said. “While the cameras are not constantly monitored, we can go back if there has been a problem. There is also a call box to the 911 center that is inside the elevator lobby if there is a problem.”
While lines are painted along the space, Coghill said there eventually will be more painting and a sign to clearly designate the safe zone.
“This also is a good place for child custody exchanges,” he added.
Police also recommend the transactions be made during daylight hours, when possible.