Springfield Police Dept. reminds you to take advantage of “Safe Exchange Zone”:
Police remind you to think twice when meeting up to buy an item from someone you meet online.
Springfield Police Department investigators reports recent robberies when people meet up to buy off of Facebook Marketplace or other outlets. Police set up parking spots at the police station designated for internet purchases. The area is well-lit with security camera footage.
Investigators say on March 9, a victim met two unknown people in Springfield after connecting on Facebook to buy a Playstation. They met at a Walmart. Investigators say during the exchange the driver pulled a gun on the victim.
* * * * The safe exchange zone parking spots are available 24/7.
But just last week, the headline was Springfield PD lobby and phone hours change due to staffing shortage:
Starting Monday, March 14th, the hours that the phones are answered, and the lobby is open at the Springfield Police Department on East Chestnut Expressway are being reduced. Previously, the lobby was open from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and then from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Phone lines were open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. every day of the week. Now, the lobby and phones will be closed over the weekend, and phones will only be answered until 5 p.m. during the week. This does *not* impact 911 calls.
It sounds like the cuts might only impact one police station, but the other has lobby hours that are not 24/7.
One wonders if the “Save Exchange Zone” only offers cameras and the possible presence of a police officer passing by.
You know, like a Walmart parking lot.
More of the messaging that you’re safe because there are cameras. If you’ve read this blog for any length of time, you know I believe that is magically fallacious.
