The Exchange Zone is a specific space in our public parking lot for community members to conduct private party transactions of goods from internet barter sites and safe custody exchanges at the Fremont Police Department. The Fremont Police Department is one of several law enforcement agencies now offering an Exchange Zone as a safer alternative to other meeting locations, such as a private residence or retail center parking lot.
Our Exchange Zone is located in two well-lit parking spaces in front of the Fremont Police Department and is recorded by video 24-hours a day. While video will record the designated Exchange Zone area, the optimal transaction time of Monday - Friday, between 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. is recommended. Although police officers will not be present during transactions and the video will not always be monitored in real time, we believe arranging to meet in this designated area will potentially deter individuals wanting to engage in criminal activity. The Exchange Zone will also allow our community to maintain a level of privacy by not disclosing the location of their residence. If someone is not willing to come to the Fremont Police Department to complete an exchange, it could be a scam and possibly not worth pursuing. Our parking lot has been quietly used for years and we are now publicly inviting and encouraging our community to utilize the new safe Exchange Zone.
Department employees will not get involved or actively monitor transactions and employees of the City of Fremont will not be able to act as official witness, provide legal advice or settle civil disputes. The exchange of drugs, weapons, alcohol and other illegal items is not permitted.
The newly installed video system will also include a second camera that is capable of capturing license plates. This camera is being installed to capture vehicles traveling in the eastbound traffic lanes on Stevenson Blvd in front of the Police Department. The video for both cameras (Exchange Zone and Stevenson Blvd.) will be used, maintained and stored in accordance with State law and/or the Police Department’s Community Camera Systems policy. A copy of our Department policies can be found online at www.fremontpolice.org/policies.
All exchanges must be person-to-person. In the case of custody transfers, the new Exchange Zone is not a drop-off where parents can leave children for a later pick-up time.
Safety Tips:
- Only conduct transactions with local buyers/sellers.
- Insist on meeting in a public place.
- Do not invite strangers into your home, and do not go to theirs.
- Take your cell phone with you.
- If you are selling a large piece of furniture, move the piece to an open garage or front porch.
- Tell a friend or family member about your intentions. Tell them when and where and with whom you are meeting - if possible, bring them with you!
- Complete transactions during daylight hours.
- Be extra cautious in buying/selling valuable items.
- Only use cash or money orders.
- Trust your instincts and be cautious of scams.
The parking spaces are now open for our community to begin using and availability is on a first come, first serve basis. No reservations will be taken.
