Safe Exchange Zone Initiative

The Carbondale Police Department has designated the visitor parking lot (located on the south end of the building) as a safe exchange zone (PDF) for any exchange the public may need, including custody exchanges and online buying or selling transactions such as Craigslist, eBay, and Heartland Community Swap. The Department encourages the use of police facilities for parents and caregivers who have concerns regarding child custody transfers. We are committed to providing a secure location for our citizens.

The Safe Exchange Zone is available to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Safe Exchange Zone is constantly under video surveillance to provide extra protection to the public. The Safe Exchange Zone is well-lit, with bright lighting to provide additional security. During inclement weather, the police department lobby is also available Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. as a Safe Exchange Zone to make the same exchanges. If you have questions about the Safe Exchange Zones, please get in touch with the Community Resource Office at 618-457-3200.    

Tips for Online Purchases

• Ask many questions if you meet with a prospective buyer or seller.
• Turn off all location services on your technology devices.
• Do not meet someone alone.
• Do not meet someone you’re not familiar with in an unfamiliar location.
• Do not provide personal or financial information.
• Do not reveal personal information, location information, or other items which may attract online predators.
• Do not send digital photographs with embedded global positioning system (GPS) data.