MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – The Myrtle Beach Police Department now has a place for online shoppers to meet up with people while being monitored by police around the clock, but officials say the safe zone isn’t just for someone looking for a great deal on a previously owned iPhone.
Officers created Internet Exchange Safe Zones in the parking lot of the Ted C. Collins Law Enforcement Center for people purchasing items from sites like Ebay, Craigslist, or Facebook.
“Social media has evolved into more than just connecting with people,” said Captain Joey Crosby with the Myrtle Beach Police Department. “It gives individuals an opportunity to buy or sell items as well, so we wanted to give individuals an opportunity to have a safe transaction when they’re doing so.”
Capt. Crosby said the designated exchange space is monitored by the police department’s Real-Time Crime Unit, which makes it a great spot for people who are co-parenting and sharing custody of children to make the transition.
“Also, this an opportunity for those parents that have custodial agreements,” said Capt. Crosby. “They can do their custodial exchange here in a neutral location that is under 24-hour surveillance.”
Knowing that the cameras are rolling at all times should help deter violence.
Signs in two parking spaces at the Myrtle Beach Police Department designate the area for the Internet Exchange Safe Zone. The safe zone is open to the public, and Capt. Crosby said, so far, they have not seen any violent situations during exchanges.
