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 for sale through e-commerce sites like Craig’s List so that they can close their online transactions safely.

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?

The Lorain Police parking lot is not fully video-monitored. 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 seven 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 or lobby to conduct e-commerce transactions?

You do not have to, but notification would be appreciated. Notifying dispatch will help ensure that your transaction is monitored.

Can I have a police officer stand by if I have a significant transaction or am suspicious of who I am meeting?

This is possible, but it will be addressed on a case-by-case basis and will depend upon the availability of manpower. It will not be part of the normal procedure for e-commerce activity.

Will the police check on an item to ensure it’s not stolen before I purchase it?

Checks are possible under some rare circumstances, but generally, the burden is on you to make the transaction in your 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 holders are NOT PERMITTED to bring weapons into our facility.
• The legal sale of firearms or other weapons is prohibited on police department property.
• We offer no other services associated with the transaction, such as 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.