Police set up safe zone for Internet transactions
If you’re looking for a safe place to settle a debt, buy merchandise you found in a classified ad or online, or make a handoff of a child with a former spouse, the Medicine Hat Police Service is offering a spot.
Dubbed a “Internet Transaction Zone,” a designated area in front of the Medicine Hat police station is being offered for Hatters to use as a safer spot to make legitimate transactions that have the potential for danger.
Sgt. Mike Fischer tells the News the idea came about after an MHPS member discovered a similar service offered in Brandon.
“The whole idea it to try to help reduce risk,” said Fischer. “More and more we’re seeing online exchanges, where people will set up some sort of meeting to exchange money for the property.”
“For the most part, things in this time, seem to go relatively OK. Other (out-of-town police) services offer the service, and we thought, ‘there’s a camera pointed in that direction, and if things go bad we can go back (on the tape) and have a look at it.”
The site, on the street directly in front of the station at 884 Second St. SE, has 24-hour video surveillance, but camera footage is not live-monitored.
Fischer said the camera and ability to find footage will act as a deterrent if the motive of one party is below board, be it robbery, intimidation or selling stolen goods.
“You could save yourself who knows what,” said Fischer, adding if the person refuses the location, it should raise questions in the other party’s mind.
“There’s a prevention aspect as well. If a person balks at meeting in front of a police station, it’s probably a good thing (to back out).”
Fischer also said the spot is available for those who may have joint custody agreements that require drop-off or pick up of children at certain times. The footage is time-coded and could provide evidence proving or disproving facts when disputes arise.
Fischer recommends meeting during daylight hours, bringing a friend along, and applying caution to all interactions with strangers.
Citizens should communicate via email to maintain a record, avoid using large quantities of cash, be skeptical when buying high valued items, and should not share personal or financial information or invite strangers into homes.