MANCHESTER, N.J. — Manchester Township Police are reminding residents of a designated Safe Exchange Zone at the Municipal Complex, designed to ensure safety for those completing online purchase transactions or child custodial exchanges. The secure area was created in response to safety concerns involving online marketplaces and visitation arrangements.
The Safe Exchange Zone is located in the main visitor parking lot on the northeast side of the Municipal Complex on Colonial Drive. It features two clearly marked parking spaces that are well-lit and under 24/7 video surveillance, according to police.
“This location provides a safe environment for buyers and sellers from platforms like Facebook Marketplace and classified ads to meet, as well as for families with visitation rights to conduct custody exchanges,” Manchester Police noted in a Facebook post on Sunday.
The police emphasized that the zone offers a neutral location for individuals who may feel uneasy meeting strangers in private spaces for transactions or exchanges. No pre-approval or police presence is required to use the site, but its proximity to town hall provides an added layer of security.
Residents are encouraged to utilize the zone for safety and to report any suspicious behavior or issues directly to law enforcement.
The Safe Exchange Zone highlights the township’s commitment to fostering safer community interactions.