NewsLocal NewsIn Your ParishLafayette Parish

Actions

Safe exchange zone opens at Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office

thumbnail_SAFE EXCHANGE.jpg
Posted
and last updated

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office opened their designated "Safe Exchange Zone” adjacent to LPSO’s main office this week.

Located at 316 W Main St., the two parking spots are in a well-lit area under 24-hour video surveillance (24-hour monitoring of the Safe Exchange Zone is conducted by the Sheriff’s Office via live video surveillance of the area; a uniformed deputy will not be physically present at the parking spaces for transactions).

The Safe Exchange Zone is designed to offer a safe alternative to meeting a stranger in their home or at an unfamiliar location, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Safe Exchange Zone Safety Tips:

  • Complete transactions only during daylight hours.
  • Make sure a friend or family member is aware of the details of the transaction and when possible, take a friend with you.
  • Be extra cautious when buying/selling valuable items.
  • Never give out any personal or financial information.
  • Trust your instincts; if it sounds like a scam or too good to be true—it probably is.
  • If someone is not willing to come to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office to complete a sale, it is probably not a legitimate transaction.

This area is not a drop-off where parents can leave children for a later pick-up time for child custody exchanges. All exchanges must be person-to-person.

According to LPSO, the parking spaces are to be used only for their intended purpose of private party transactions. No long-term parking or unattended vehicles will be permitted in the Safe Exchange Zone.

No appointments are necessary when using the Safe Exchange Zone, they said.

------------------------------------------------------------
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.

To reach the newsroom or report a typo/correction, click HERE.

Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Evening News Headlines, Latest COVID-19 Headlines, Morning News Headlines, Special Offers

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Instagram

Subscribe to our Youtube channel