DEPARTMENT: Police
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Anthony Trevino, Interim Police Chief
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Safe Exchange Zones at Police Substations
SUMMARY:
On May 12, 2015, Councilman Mike Gallagher requested City Council consider the creation of "Safe Exchange Zones at Police Substations to help citizens safely broker transactions with strangers." This will allow individuals to exchange items in a safe place.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Councilman Gallagher submitted a request that asked the San Antonio Police Department to create "Safe Exchange Zones" at Police Substations. The CCR states that the "exchange of commerce of legitimate items among individuals has evolved over the years. With the rising popularity of internet commerce, individuals are often put in a position of selling their items or purchasing their items from strangers who may or may not have good intentions."
The SAPD has six substations across the City, open 24 hours, 7 days a week. The parking lot and the lobby of each substation is covered by video surveillance. Currently, the public is allowed access to the parking lot and the lobby and safe child exchanges are regularly carried out here.
ISSUE:
Although a majority of these exchanges are legitimate and safe, some individuals have used online exchange websites to victimize individuals that are buyers or sellers. To provide a safe atmosphere for exchanges, some police departments have allowed residents to use the parking lots and/or lobbies of substations for the exchange. Currently, no major Texas cities actively promote these zones, but they do allow the practice to take place at their facilities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this request.
RECOMMENDATION:
SAPD recommends forwarding this issue to the Public Safety Committee for further discussion and possible action. If approved by the Public Safety Committee, the Department can develo...
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