With the ever growing use and popularity of websites and apps such as Craigslist, Let Go, Facebook Marketplace, etc., by the public to sell and exchange items, the Hummelstown Police Department is taking steps to provide a well-lit, convenient place for users to complete transactions at any time of the day or night.    

Two parking spaces at the new Hummelstown Borough Building are posted as a “Safe Exchange Zone”.  These two parking spaces are located at the northwest corner of the Municipal parking lot, closest to the Quarry Rd and LDMS entrance. 

A nearby light pole provides adequate lighting for anyone planning on purchasing or selling items to another person, which they are likely meeting for the first time.  An exterior video security camera will record the “Safe Exchange Zone” 24 hours a day-7 days a week.  These two parking spaces are also ideal for parents needing a neutral area for child custody exchange between parents.

Sergeant Justin Hess of the Hummelstown Borough Police Department remarked,

We have received positive comments from the public for providing this service to them.  The spaces are used regularly for custody exchange between parents.  Online marketplace sellers and buyers have frequently thanked us for providing an area they feel safe meeting someone for the first time to exchange an item for money.

The Middletown Borough and Swatara Township Police Departments have also recently joined Hummelstown in providing “Safe Exchange Zones” at their department parking lots.