VALDOSTA – Sheriff Chris Prine said this week his office is joining the nationwide effort by law enforcement agencies in designating a specific space in the parking lot for the general public to use as “Exchange Zones.”
The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office has often recommended and welcomes the public to use its parking lot for added safety during exchanges whether it be on-line sales or child custody.
A new sign is affixed to the building at the Sheriff’s Office main parking lot, at 120 Prison Farm Road, marks the new “Exchange Zone” area. Sheriff Prine is encouraging the general public to conduct transactions for online sales, child custody visitation exchanges or any other time they have to meet with a stranger or any other person where you may feel the need for an added layer of safety.
Also marking the “Exchange Zone” is a 15 minute parking limit sign. This is necessary in order to allow everyone access to the “Exchange Zone.” The Sheriff’s Office has already seen people using its parking area for exchanges, but the new “Exchange Zone” sign will direct people to the area of the parking lot that is covered by a 24-hour video surveillance system.
While the Sheriff’s Office facilities are staffed 24 hours a day, it is important to note that the “Exchange Zone” cameras are not watched by somebody 24 hours a day, but they are recorded so that any activity taking place will be captured and available to review if something needs attention.
If during an exchange an emergency develops, persons should immediately call 9-1-1 for assistance.
“Although citizens routinely use our facilities for safe exchanges now, we wanted to take extra steps by ensuring that everything is on camera we hope that people will use the site more often and create a safe environment,” Prine said.
Anyone wishing to contact the Sheriff’s Office can do so at (229) 671-2950. Anonymous tips or information can be provided at {229} 671-2985 or on line at www.lowndessheriff.com. The Sheriff’s Office is also accessible on Facebook.
Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office
