FRANKLIN — As the holiday season approaches, one Central Indiana police department added a safe space for people to exchange items purchased online.
When you buy something on an online marketplace, it can be a dangerous situation meeting up with someone to complete the transaction.
Two parking spaces at the Franklin Police Department have been reserved for people to exchange goods bought online. The area is under 24-hour video surveillance for an extra layer of security.
"People know ahead of time when you're coming to meet them, you're going to have cash of some sort, you're going to have a product that they want," FPD Chief Kirby Cochran said. "It becomes criminal and sometimes violent."
Some people, like Laurie Cox, are using the also using the safe spaces for custody exchanges.
Cox says she uses the spaces because she doesn't go to her ex-husband's house and he doesn't have to come to hers.
"It's a safety thing," Cox said. "And you know what there's a camera there so nobody can say someone does something."
There are several safe exchange zones throughout Central Indiana. You can find one near you here.
If there is not a safe exchange zone listed near you, you can call your local police department to find one.
