Local law enforcement agencies are encouraging people to use their parking lots or other public spaces as “safe zones” for any kinds of meetings or exchanges.

The Dalton Police Department, Chatsworth Police Department, Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office and Murray County Sheriff’s Office have all offered this sort of opportunity before, usually for child visitation and exchanges arising from divorce orders. However, agency officials say they also welcome people to use the spaces for meetings involving e-commerce transactions from websites such as Craigslist.

Chief Deputy Brian Ingle of the Murray County Sheriff’s Office said much attention was brought to the use of these public spaces for e-commerce exchanges after a case in south Georgia where an elderly couple was killed buying a car through Craigslist in January.

“That prompted some calls from some people asking about it, and, yes, they are more than welcome to use our parking lot,” he said. “That’s what we’re all about. We’re all about safety and being able to help the public and absolutely that’s something simple that we can do.”  

In a press release, the Dalton Police Department said it welcomes the public to use the front parking lot of the Police Services Center at 301 Jones St.

“Since the Internet gives so much anonymity to buyers and sellers, there will always be some risk to meeting a complete stranger,” said Dalton Police Chief Jason Parker in the release. “Suggesting the meeting take place at a law enforcement facility may discourage those very few who may have bad motives.”

The front parking lot of the Police Services Center is monitored by video 24 hours a day. The press release noted “there are almost always police officers present inside the building or located close by. The agency recommends parking spaces located closest to the building’s front entrance as most ideal for meeting to complete e-commerce transactions.”

“If someone isn’t willing to meet you at the safe zone it is a good sign you shouldn’t be doing e-commerce with them,” said Cliff Cason, the police department’s assistant chief.

“If an officer should be needed, citizens can come inside the building during normal business hours or contact the dispatch center using a phone inside the front entrance after hours,” the press release said.

“Meeting up at the PD allows for the exchange to take place in a safe, neutral location,” noted Cason. “If a problem arises an officer can quickly respond and provide assistance.”

The department said the safe zone is also available for child visitation or child custody uses and even for meeting someone from an online dating service.

Whitfield County Sheriff Scott Chitwood said people regularly use the sheriff’s office’s facilities to meet and make exchanges and he encourages everyone to take advantage of using their lot.

“We have people that meet here to get vehicles, child custody, you know, domestic situations, because it’s a protected public lot,” he said. “It’s advisable to meet in a public place. You don’t want to meet in a back alley.”

Agency officials said their parking lots are always open during business hours and people do not need to contact them ahead of time.

“The front parking lot is always open during normal business hours or even outside of normal business hours,” said Chatsworth Chief of Police Josh Etheridge. “But of course if they have any concern and want to make sure there is an officer available then they can simply call the 911 center who does all the dispatching services.”