IRWINDALE >> Police in Irwindale established a new “safe zone” Thursday to provide those engaging in online commerce, as well as child custody exchanges, a secure and monitored place to conduct their business in front of the police station.
The “E-Commerce and Child Exchange Safe Zone” allows residents to meet with buyers or purchasers to complete online transaction, as well as take care of sometimes-contentious child custody exchanges between separated parents at the station, 5050 N. Irwindale Ave., Irwindale police Sgt. George Zendejas said.
“Transactions that start online but must be completed in person have become more common in recent years and most times the parties are strangers,” police said in a written statement. “E-commerce sales were estimated at $341.7 billion in 2015, up 14.6 percent from the year before.”
“The E-Commerce Safe Zone will consist of two designated parking stalls in front of the Irwindale Police Station,” according to the statement. “The parking stalls will be designated by signage and a painted green curb, where parties can finalize their e-commerce transactions with less concern of being robbed, scammed, seriously injured, and or killed.”
If the other party involved in an online transaction is unwilling to meet at the police station, Zendejas said that may be a “red flag” that the transaction may be less than legitimate.
The special parking spaces, which are under 24-hour video surveillance monitored live by police dispatchers, will also serve as a secure, neutral place for separated parents to relinquish custody of their children for visitations.
The cost of the program amounted to $35, Zendejas said.

PHOTO courtesy of the Irwindale Police Department.