Safety exchanged zone installed at Poplarville Police Department

ROY HOWARD COMMUNITY JOURNALISM CENTER- Poplarville now has a safety exchange zone where residents can meet up to complete online purchases or custody exchanges.

The zone is in the Poplarville Police Department parking lot and marked with a reserved sign. The area is well lit and covered by security cameras.

Anyone can use it at any time and you don’t have to notify the department beforehand.

Police Chief Chad Dorn says the idea isn’t unique, but it does bring an added layer of security. “Unfortunately, we have a lot of people out there that like to take advantage of other people and even commit violent crimes during those exchanges. It gives them a safe place to where they feel comfortable making that exchange.”

Dorn says you should always research who you’re meeting ahead of time and stay aware of your surroundings.