The University’s Department of Public Safety is offering the main lobby of its headquarters as a “safe zone” for Craigslist, Currents classifieds and other online transactions. Anyone is welcome to meet buyers or sellers in the front lobby during daily business hours between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Recorded surveillance cameras capture this area.
Across the country, a variety of criminal incidents have been connected to these types of transactions.
“This is a preventative measure to help keep our community members safe,” said Chief Mark T. Fischer. “One of our peace officers, Deb Mattice, brought forward the idea and it seemed like the perfect thing to do.”
The Department of Public Safety is located at 612 Wilson Blvd., and lot parking is available. Public Safety employees will not become involved in transactions unless intervention is required.
Fischer suggests that individuals planning an online transaction conduct the transaction during the day, meet in a public place and trust their instincts. “The bottom line is that you don’t know with whom you are doing business, and extra safety precautions should be taken,” he said.
