The eWatch Safe Exchange Zone is located in a well-lit, high-traffic area in front of the police station at 10 Kirkwood Dr., and consists of two parking spaces, signage and 24-hour video surveillance.
The idea came from the city’s Youth Retention Advisory Board, and was one of the recommendations in the board’s report to city council in October.
“People aren’t always comfortable with someone going to their home or going to a stranger’s home if they are selling or buying something online,” said board member Zac Murphy.
“This gives people another option when it comes to completing those types of transactions and, hopefully, it will make them feel more comfortable in doing so. Our hope is that it will make an impact at minimal cost to the public.”
The eWatch zone is available every day to anyone conducting legal online transactions, although parking will be limited until after 4 p.m. and on weekends.
Though the police won’t be getting involved in the transactions or verifying the authenticity of items, they are at least nearby in case something happens.
“We’re not guaranteeing that people will be happy with the product they buy nor are we taking on any liability for the transactions that will be conducted in this space, but we will be a presence and we will be near to help people feel safer when making transactions,” said police Chief Paul Smith.
For more information on the Youth Retention Report, visit www.charlottetown.ca/pdfs2016/Chtown-YouthRetention-Report2016.pdf.
