The Metamora Township Police Department Safe Exchange Zone provides a safe location where the public can complete in-person transactions to buy, sell, or trade legal items. The area can also be used as a safe and neutral site for child custody exchanges. The goal of the Safe Exchange Zone is to deter fraudulent transactions, thefts, robberies, and violent custody disputes.

The Safe Exchange Zone is a well-marked, well-lit area located directly east of the main entrance to the Police Department. The area is under 24-hour video surveillance. Safe Exchange Zone parking spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The exchange of drugs, weapons, or other illegal items is not permitted. All exchanges must be person-to-person. In the case of custody exchanges, children cannot be left unattended at the Safe Exchange Zone to wait for pickup by another parent/guardian.

Exchange Safety Tips

To help keep everyone safe, please follow these guidelines:

• Always meet in daylight or well-lit areas
• Do not go to a transaction alone
• Make sure someone is aware of the transaction details
• Insist on meeting at a Safe Exchange Zone or public place
• Do not go into someone else’s house, and do not allow them into yours
• Only use cash or money orders to complete transactions
• Trust your instincts
• Call 911 immediately if you feel unsafe