Plainfield Police Department has internet purchase exchange location

PLAINFIELD – The Plainfield Police Department parking lot is now an internet purchase exchange location.

The department designated two side-by-side parking spaces marked by a sign directly in front of the department building, at 14300 S. Coil Plus Drive in Plainfield, for residents to use as a safe location to exchange items sold via the internet. The area is well-lit and recorded by a high-resolution digital surveillance 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to the department.

The initiative started from discussions on the Plainfield Village Board. Police upgraded video surveillance equipment at the department building, and making it an exchange location was the smartest move, Sgt. Mike Fisher said.

“There are a lot of internet sales and programs out there,” Fisher said. “It seems to be one of those things that’s progressing more and more. We’re doing this to help ensure the safety of the community.”

The exchange location is open for use, but Fisher said people should not expect officers to mediate transactions.

“There’s not a specific officer sitting behind the camera watching everyday,” Fisher said. “We want residents to let family or friends know they’re making an exchange and to let them know when to expect them to return home.”

Fisher said if someone needs assistance at the exchange location, there is a call box to request help.

The department recommends using the exchange during daylight hours when the high-definition camera will work best.

In an event that an officer is needed, people should either go into the police department and request to speak with one or call dispatch for non-emergency situations and 911 for emergencies, a news release from the department stated.

If making internet-based transactions, Police Chief John Konopek recommends that you not make transactions alone and not go to someone’s home or invite them to yours.