Jackson Jambalaya

The Clinton Police Department issued the following press release:

Looking for a safe place to purchase goods from a Craigslist seller?

Need somewhere secure to sell items through Facebook garage sale sites?

Inviting a stranger to one’s home can open homeowners up to theft or other issues; so the parties agree to meet in a suitable public place, such a park. But even that may not be the safest alternative.

The City of Clinton has set up an Internet Transaction Zone -- a safe area just inside the lobby of the Clinton Police Department at 305 Monroe Street in Olde Towne Clinton.

Marked by new signage, the area now serves as a safe location for locals to meet up to exchange goods and payments. "There's a spot that has a sign that say's here's the spot. You know there's police around, there are video cameras taping it," stated Chief Ford Hayman of the Clinton Police Department.

For larger internet transactions such as boats, trailers and cars, the department has set up a safe zone on the west side of the Police Department. With signs marking the transaction spots, the inside and outside locations are monitored by video surveillance 24 hours per day.

“Citizens or visitors to our community can exchange Internet purchases and transactions from sites such as Craigslist, Facebook and others,” stated Chief Hayman. “We encourage (everyone) to take advantage of the established e-Commerce Zone as a location to conduct Internet exchanges.”

The Internet Transaction Zone will go into full effect in July and metro area residents are now free to start taking advantage of the safety it provides.

The area is monitored by surveillance 24/7, and police officers, stationed in the building, will patrol the zone regularly.

Residents are also encouraged to alert CPD of their transaction by calling 601-924-5252. This will allow dispatch to be aware of your presence and the transaction. Residents may also request dispatch to run a VIN or title check on vehicle and boat transactions to ensure that there are not liens or issues with the title.

“There have been a number of documented cases throughout our country where citizens have fallen prey to individuals with criminal intent via the Internet. Citizens have been lured to isolated exchange locations and then faced with uncomfortable and at times dangerous interactions,” according to Hayman.

Hayman hopes the new transaction Zone will prevent those issues from occurring locally.

“With the popularity of Internet sales today, I think it’s good there's a safe place for citizens or visitors to use as a resource to conduct those transactions safely,” Hayman said. "If you're willing to meet me in this environment," he emphasized, "it's probably above board.

Kingfish note: The Rankin County Sheriff's Offers a similar safe zone for internet transactions aswell.