Safe Exchange Zone Now In Merritt

Merritt residents who wheel and deal online but don’t want purchasers to come to their home now have a Safe Exchange Zone where the buyer and seller can meet safely.

The new Safe Exchange Zone has been erected in front of the Merritt RCMP Detachment on Voght St.

The idea for this new initiative came from Cst. Carly Gerein as part of her RCMP’s Recruit Field Training Program that requires  new officers have to complete a project within the community they serve.

Cst. Carly Gerein decided she wanted to create a safe exchange zone for Merritt residents to complete online transactions, as well as a location to transfer children between parents or guardians.

Cst. Gerein had the sign created locally and with the assistance from the City of Merritt Public Works Department, had it installed in front of the Merritt RCMP Detachment.

Sgt. Josh Roda of the Merritt Detachment told Q101 News that the idea promotes safety in our city.

“The Safe Exchange Zone is a safe place for residents who sell items online on say Kijiji or Facebook Market Place to meet the other person to complete the transaction,” he added. “Some people do not feel comfortable giving out their address to others so this is certainly a terrific idea.”

Roda also encourages residents to use the Safe Exchange Zone during daylight hours Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm.

Roger.White@pattisonmedia.com