Residents in Pembroke, Ontario may notice specially marked parking spaces outside the Ontario Provincial Police detachment on International Drive. Identified by a handshake symbol, these spaces are designated community safety zones designed for in-person exchanges related to online buying and selling. The idea is straightforward: offer a public, well-lit, and monitored location where transactions can take place with greater peace of mind.
These safety zones are part of Project Safe Trade, an initiative introduced by the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP in response to the growing use of online marketplaces. As more people buy and sell items locally through digital platforms, meeting in private homes or secluded areas can carry unnecessary risk. The program encourages residents to complete exchanges at police locations instead, where visibility and nearby oversight naturally discourage unsafe behavior.
The zones are available around the clock and do not require appointments, making them a practical option for busy schedules. While officers do not supervise or participate in transactions, their close proximity allows for a rapid response if a situation becomes uncomfortable or escalates. Local officials note that these spaces are especially valuable during high-activity periods, such as holidays, when online trading tends to increase.
To make the most of these safety zones, residents are encouraged to follow a few simple habits: meet during daylight hours when possible, bring another person along, and keep written records of messages or agreements until the exchange is complete. Combined with the availability of designated police-adjacent meeting areas, these steps help create a safer, more confident environment for everyday online transactions within the community.