Transaction Safe Zone

In an effort to better protect the citizens of Lorain County, the Lorain Police Department is participating in the county-wide Transaction Safe Zone program and welcomes the public to our department to show, inspect, or purchase property that is for sale through e-commerce sites like Craig’s List in order to close their online transactions in a safer way.

Here are some frequently asked questions & restrictions for the Lorain Police Department’s Transaction Safe Zone:

What area of the police parking lot is available for this use?

The Lorain Police Department front parking area is available for use.

What area of the police lobby is available for this use?

The Lorain Police Lobby (located on the first floor of Lorain City Hall) is available for this use. However, no other part of City Hall is available for transactions.

Is the police parking lot and/or lobby under video surveillance?

Yes and no.  The Lorain Police parking lot is not fully monitored by video.  However, the lobby is fully video monitored.  We recommend that you use the lobby for all such transactions.

Are there any day or time restrictions?

The Lorain Police Department lobby and parking lot are available 7 days a week but we request the 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?

You do not have to but it would be 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 the availability of manpower. 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.