The St. Paul RCMP detachment has launched a safe exchange zone program to enhance community safety.
With the rise of online transactions, you may find yourself frequently looking to get a deal at a local level, and while many of these transactions occur safely, there are inherent risks associated with meeting strangers from the internet. Additionally, other interactions such as child custody exchange and document handovers can also pose safety concerns.
To address these issues, the St. Paul RCMP, along with other Eastern Alberta District detachments, are implementing designated safe exchange zones. These zones will be clearly marked outside the detachments as either parking stalls or designated areas. Residents can use these sites without prior notification to the detachment. Simply inform the person you are meeting that the exchange will take place at the exchange zone outside the designated detachment.
“These safe exchange zones will provide a safer place for citizens to meet while making sales purchases, and exchanges, including custody and visitation arrangements,” said Sgt. Bobby Burgess of the St. Paul detachment.
While the safe exchange zones are not specifically monitored by surveillance cameras or the detachment, officers are available to assist if needed. Any criminal activity that occurs in these zones will be subjected to enforcement action.
