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45.0 EXCHANGE LOCATION Page 1 of 3 EDGEWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER # 4 5.0 EXCHANGE LOCATION Effective Date: March 29, 2018 The purpose of this policy is to create an exchange zone for the transfer of goods and money between sellers and buyers involved in an internet -based transaction, in -person sales or any other exchange, such as child custody. This General Order consists of the following numbered sections: I. Policy II. Definitions III. Procedures I. POLICY Although rare, the Edgewood Police Department occasionally responds to reports of violent crime and theft stemming from the in -person sale of internet items. These sales are often arranged through the internet, and members of the public would benefit from conducting their ex change i n a well -lit public parking lot that is video monitored. On occasion, members of the Police Department are also called to a location to standby while parents engage in child custody exchanges. By allowing the child custody exchanges to occur in the police department parking lot, it allows our officers to be more readily available to standby. The Edgewood Police Department is committed to serving our community through this program by offering the Edgewood Police Department’s public parking lot as an exchange zone . Members of the community can meet in this location with potential sellers or purchasers of goods from an internet sale. The parking lot is well -lit and is monitored by video surveillance. The Edgewood Police Department’s visitor parking lot can also be used for other interactions such as child custody exchanges. II. DEFINITION A. “EXCHANGE ZONE” - an area designated to exchange goods and money between sellers and buyers involved in internet transactions, classifieds, in -person sales, or any other exchanges such as child custody. The area is normally well lit and video monitored in a public area. III. PROCEDURES 45.0 EXCHANGE LOCATION Page 2 of 3 A. The visitor parking lot of the department is video monitored and is open and available for the public to use as an “Exchange Zone” for conducting transactions that have been facilitated by online marketplaces, child custody exchanges or any other exchange where the parties want to utilize the department’s visitor parking lot. 1. The video obtained by the department is exempt from pub lic record and will generally not be released to a party unless upon a subpoena. 2. Any video captured will be used to further any criminal investigation by the department and no exchange should be considered private. B. It is encouraged that in -person exc hanges be made between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, when the department is open. The Edgewood Police Department makes no guarantees, assurances, or promises as to the safety or security of any in -person t ransactions that may take place on the department’s premises. C. It is not the intent of the Edgewood Police Department to provide police personnel or staff to witness any transaction in person. D. Member Procedures: 1. If available, and when requested, members of the department (who are authorized) , may check the serial numbers of any merchandise being exchanged. 2. Whether the public utilizes the department’s visitor parking lot or another location, personnel should inform individuals engaged in exchanges to: a. Bring a cell phone in case of an emergency b. Notify friends or family of the intention to meet to conduct an exchange c. Bring another person with them d. Meet in a well -lit, public area e. Not invite strangers to their home or agree to meet at a stranger’s home f. Not conduct an exchange with someone who refuses to meet at the Police Department or other open public area. E. If the parties are meeting for a child custody exchange and either party feels t here could be a problem, an officer can standby to ensure a peaceful exchange occurs. F. Department personnel are not trained nor authorized to validate the legitimacy of any transaction, item for sale, the integrity of any product or goods, or legality of a sale. No member should offer an opinion regarding any exchange. G. Drugs and drug paraphernalia, unlawful items, or other such regulated exchanges are not allowed on the Police Department's premises. H. For safety reasons, NO exchange of weapons or firearms s hould occur on Police Department property. 45.0 EXCHANGE LOCATION Page 3 of 3