ST. PAUL – The St. Paul RCMP Detachment launched a new initiative that they hope will make it safer for people in the region to conduct various transactions, particularly the exchange of goods following an online arrangement – called the safe exchange zone program.
If a person buys an item from someone in an online marketplace, they can now meet up at the RCMP detachment to exchange funds and items.
The zone will be marked, making it easy to spot, says Sgt. Bobby Burgess with St. Paul RCMP.
Residents do not have to contact the detachment to use the exchange zone.
Asked if there had been reported incidents in the area involving any exchanges, Burgess says there have been no such incidents.
“These safe exchange zones will provide a safer place for citizens to safely meet while making sales, purchases and exchanges including custody and visitation arrangements,” said Burgess, offering other reasons residents may want to use the area.
While the safe exchange zones are not monitored by the detachment or surveillance cameras, officers can be called to assist if needed. Any criminal activity that occurs will be subject to enforcement action.
This initiative is part of a broader effort across Eastern Alberta District detachments to enhance community safety.
According to a June 4 press release from RCMP, Alberta residents actively connect with each other to conduct sales and purchases.
