Making an online transaction with a private citizen? We can help keep you safe.
In an effort to better protect the citizens of Lorain County, the Avon Lake Police Department is participating in the county-wide Transaction Safe Zone program. If you’re purchasing or selling private property through sites like Craigslist, Facebook, etc. we invite you to our department to show, inspect, or exchange property -- to close your online transactions in a safer way.
Here are some frequently asked questions & restrictions for the Avon Lake Police Department's Transaction Safe Zone:
What area of the police parking lot is available for this use? The Avon Lake Police Department front parking area is available for use.
What area of the police lobby is available for this use? The Avon Lake Police Lobby (located right inside the Main Entrance) is available for this use. However, the hall leading to Court and the Court waiting areas are not.
Is the police parking lot and/or lobby under video surveillance? Yes, the Avon Lake Police parking lot and lobby are both video monitored.
Are there any day or time restrictions? Avon Lake Police lobby and parking lot are available 7 days a week but we request that meetings and transactions be restricted to daylight hours.
Do I have to make an appointment to use the police parking lot or lobby? No.
Do I have to notify the dispatcher that I am in your parking lot/lobby to conduct e-commerce transactions? While advance notification is not necessary, it is appreciated. This will help ensure that your transaction is monitored.
If I have a really big transaction or I'm suspicious of who I am meeting, can I have a police officer stand by? This is possible, but will be addressed on a case-by-case basis and will be dependent upon officer availability. It will not be part of the normal procedure for e- commerce activity.
Will the police check to be sure something is not stolen before I purchase it? This is possible under some rare circumstances, but generally the burden is on you to make the transaction that is in your own best interest. The police department cannot be held liable for guaranteeing an item is not stolen before you purchase it.
Are there any other restrictions or information I should know about?
▪ CCW permit holder are NOT PERMITTED to bring weapons into our facility.
▪ The legal sale of firearms or other weapons will NOT be permitted on police department property.
▪ We offer no other service associated with the transaction, like notary services, counting/verifying money amounts, checking for fake/counterfeit money, etc.
▪ You are discouraged from loitering in the department parking lot or lobby for unnecessary lengths of time.