The Oakland Police Department is promoting its “Safe Exchange Zone” where people can meet to buy, sell or exchange goods with strangers.
The zone, located outside headquarters at 455 Seventh St., is intended as a way for people to feel confident that any buying or selling coordinated over the internet or other remote exchange can be carried out safely.
There are reports of people being robbed or worse in such situations, and according to Oakland Police Spokesperson Kim Armstead, if someone is not willing to meet you in front of a police station, that’s a red flag that you should avoid the interaction, because it is probably not a legitimate transaction.
In addition to being a safe place to conduct exchanges of goods, the designated green zone is also a place to make child custody or visitation exchanges.
The zones allow for 12-minute parking and are well-lit, with 24-hour surveillance, Armstead said.
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