The Richmond City Sheriff’s Office established a ‘Safe Exchange Zone’ at the Richmond City Justice Center

                                                                    1701 Fairfield Way
                                                             Richmond, Virginia 23223

The Richmond City Sheriff’s Office announced on October 19, 2019, the creation of a new Safe Exchange Zone for in-person transactions with strangers.

The Safe Exchange Zone, located in the Richmond City Justice Center’s front parking lot, is designed as a safe, monitored meeting place to conduct transactions from ECommerce, websites and other forms of social media. It can also be used as a meeting and exchange place for parents and legal guardians with shared custody or visitation rights.

Although the video recording can assist in attempting to identify a suspect if an incident occurs, neither the Sheriff’s Office nor the City assumes responsibility or liability for transactions, damages, or injury.

While the spaces are available on the Sheriff’s Office grounds, Sheriff Office deputies do not participate or act as official witnesses in the transactions but can be dispatched to keep the peace, prevent disorderly conduct, or for criminal offenses.

Location and Hours

Our Safe Exchange Zone is located in two designated well-lit parking spaces in front of the Richmond City Justice Center and is recorded by video 24-hours a day. While video will record the area, the optimal transaction time of Monday – Friday, between 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Sheriff Office business hours), is recommended.

Rules

The exchange of drugs, weapons, alcohol and other illegal items is not permitted.

All exchanges must be person-to-person. In the case of custody transfer, the Safe 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.
• Do not go to a transaction alone.
• Make sure a friend or family member is aware of the transaction details.
• Insist on meeting in a public area like the Sheriff’s Office Safe Exchange Zone.
• Do not go into someone else’s house, and do not allow them into your house.
• Complete the transaction during daylight hours, if possible.
• Be extra cautious when buying or selling valuable items as vehicles and jewelry.
• Trust your instincts, if it sounds like a scam, it probably is a scam.
• If someone is not willing to come to the Sheriff’s Office to conduct a transaction, this would be a sign to beware of and possibly rethink the meeting.
• Take your cell phone with you.