STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — The Stevens Point Police Department has designed two parking spots at their Michigan Avenue facility as “safe exchange zones” for child custody exchanges or online purchases.
Lieutenant Dana Williams says the two adjoining spots are clearly marked and within view of a security camera on the building, designating that any activity that occurs there is recorded and monitored 24/7.
“It’s a way for people to know that whatever is going on in our lot will be recorded,” said Williams. “So you can feel a little safer. You’re also in the Police Department parking lot so that should help as well.”
Security camera view of Stevens Point safe exchange zone. Image courtesy: Stevens Point PD
The “safe exchange zone” concept is nothing new, a similar spot is marked in the Portage County Sheriff’s Office parking lot on Strongs Avenue, and many other communities have also offered the service. Williams says if need be you can also ask an officer to step outside to supervise the child exchange or cash transaction for extra peace of mind. “There may be some other concerns that arise during an exchange so you would want an actual officer there for the exchange. So we would provide that as well.”
The space is also registered as part of a statewide database of safe exchange zones that can be accessed at www.safeexchangepoint.com
Williams adds that if either the PD or Sheriff’s Office locations are not convenient, officers can be called to another location in the city to supervise an exchange or sale.
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