As I was checking Facebook this morning, a very cool story popped up from my local police department. They designated a spot downtown and adjacent to our municipal buildings as an e-commerce trading zone. There are parking spots and an automated call button in the event of an emergency.
In the age of peer-to-peer (P2P) commerce, safety is more than a convenience—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re buying a used phone on Facebook Marketplace, meeting a seller from Craigslist, or trading items through a neighborhood app, the question always arises: Where can I complete this transaction safely?
SafeTradeSpots provides the answer. As the only comprehensive national database of law enforcement-designated safe exchange locations in the United States, SafeTradeSpots helps ensure that local buying and selling doesn’t come with unnecessary risks. This initiative makes it easy for the general public to find police departments, sheriff offices, and law enforcement facilities that have officially designated, monitored areas where people can meet to complete online transactions.
A Nationwide Safety Network
SafeTradeSpots lists thousands of verified public safety locations across the U.S. These locations are specifically marked for online exchanges and often monitored with video surveillance or located near the entrance to a law enforcement facility—greatly reducing the likelihood of scams, theft, or violence.
This expansive effort is supported by OfferUp, a leading mobile marketplace, which proudly funds SafeTradeSpots as part of its broader mission to build trust and safety within local communities. The initiative also draws foundational support from the AIM Group, a global business intelligence firm specializing in online marketplaces.
How It Works
The SafeTradeSpots website provides a simple, searchable interface where users can enter their location to find nearby designated meetup spots. These include:
- Police stations and sheriff’s offices
- Locations that are accessible to the public
- Areas equipped with security features such as 24/7 surveillance or routine patrols
This centralized resource ensures that users of online marketplaces have a trusted, neutral space to complete transactions, whether they’re meeting a stranger to buy concert tickets or exchanging used electronics.
A Call to Law Enforcement Agencies
SafeTradeSpots continues to grow thanks to partnerships with law enforcement across the country. Agencies offering a safe meetup location can request to be listed, while departments that do not yet have one are encouraged to join the initiative.
The cost? Nothing.
SafeTradeSpots will even send a free starter kit to help any department establish a Community MeetUp Spot. The kit includes signage and simple guidelines for promoting and maintaining the location.
Building Trust, One Transaction at a Time
In a world where digital connections increasingly lead to real-world interactions, SafeTradeSpots provides a critical bridge between convenience and security. It’s a reminder that trust doesn’t just come from apps or ratings—it’s built through community, transparency, and smart infrastructure.
Whether you’re a buyer, a seller, or a law enforcement officer, SafeTradeSpots makes it easier—and safer—for everyone to participate in the online economy.
I was delighted to see this offered in my small city. Congratulations, Greenwood! Thanks for allowing me to use the photos. To find a SafeTradeSpot near you or to list your department’s location:
