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The Dalton Police Department is inviting the public to use its parking lot as a "safe zone" for people completing e-commerce transactions.

In a news release, department spokesman Bruce Frazier noted headlines about people meeting strangers from Craigslist or other Internet services to buy, sell, or trade some item, who "instead find themselves robbed or even assaulted, sometimes with tragic consequences."

"The vast majority of e-commerce transactions are safe, but recent stories of killings and robberies around Georgia and across the country have people thinking twice about using the internet to make a deal," Frazier said.

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So the Dalton Police Department is offering the front parking lot of the Police Services Center at 301 Jones St. for such transactions.

Dalton Police Department's Police Services Center building in Dalton, Ga.

"Since the Internet gives so much anonymity to buyers and sellers, there will always be some risk to meeting a complete stranger," says Chief Jason Parker. "Suggesting the meeting take place at a law enforcement facility may discourage those very few who may have bad motives."

The police front parking lot has 24-hour video surveillance and there are almost always police officers present inside the building or located close by, Frazier said. The agency recommends parking spaces located closest to the building's front entrance as most ideal for meeting to complete e-commerce transactions.

"If someone isn't willing to meet you at the safe zone it is a good sign you shouldn't be doing e-commerce with them," said Cliff Cason, the department's assistant chief.

There is no need to contact the department ahead of time. If an officer should be needed, citizens can come inside the building during normal business hours or contact the dispatch center using a phone inside the front entrance after hours.

The "safe zone" is also available to the public for other types of meetings, such as meeting for child visitation or dropping off kids to a parent for child custody purposes.