Monday, August 17, 2015

Safe Exchange Zones

Vancouver Police and Clark County Sheriff's Office parking lots posted as Safe Exchange Zones (Photo) - 08/17/15 
"Vancouver, Wash.- On August 17, 2015, the Vancouver Police Department and Clark County Sheriff's Office will begin offering the parking lots at their facilities as Safe Exchange Zones where individuals conducting online purchase transactions can meet with the potential buyer or seller to complete the transaction. The parking lots at the participating law enforcement buildings provide an alternative to meeting a stranger at a private residence or unfamiliar location. Signage is placed on the buildings that are designated as Safe Exchange Zones. 

"It's important to remember, everyone online is a stranger, so offering our parking lots as a place where legal transactions can occur seemed like a natural extension of our community crime prevention efforts", said Vancouver Police Chief James P. McElvain. 

"Historically, our precinct parking lots have been seen as 'neutral zones' for citizens to meet, be publicly visible, and know that a deputy may be close by if needed", says Clark County Sheriff Chuck E. Atkins. "In an era of increasing risk from online purchases, we see this as a logical component of our commitment to public safety. By providing our parking lots as a known landmark to meet and conduct legal, private transactions it's our desire to lessen the potential dangers for both buyer and seller." 

Vancouver Police or Clark County Sheriff personnel will not assist with any transactions, and gun sales are prohibited. The Safe Exchange Zone is meant for person-to-person transactions. Property may not be dropped off and left unattended; sellers are required to take their property with them if the buyer does not show up. 

The following location parking lots are designated and signed as Safe Exchange Zones: 
* Vancouver Police Administration (605 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA) 
* Vancouver Police West Precinct (2800 NE Stapleton Rd., Vancouver, WA) 
* Vancouver Police East Precinct (512 SE 155th Ave., Vancouver, WA) 
* Clark County Sheriff's West Precinct (505 NW 179th St., Ridgefield, WA) 
* Clark County Sheriff's Office Central Precinct (11608 NE 149th St., Brush Prairie, WA) 

Law enforcement agencies across the country are utilizing the safe exchange zone premise and both the Vancouver Police Department and Clark County Sheriff's Office are excited to support this enhancement to community safety. "
Source: FlashAlert.net

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Sources, Sources, Sources!

With the power of technology, information can travel fast!  As your official Neighborhood Association, we value the information we provide to you because you expect to receive valid news and updates from creditable sources.  Recognized by Clark County, we're proud to be YOUR neighborhood association!


"Neighbors nationwide have come together to shape the areas in which they live. By forming neighborhood associations, citizens work in partnership with their local governments to maintain or enhance the livability of their communities.
Neighborhood associations usually form when a single issue unites people in a geographic area. Concerns range from crime to traffic to development issues. From there, most groups evolve and focus on the long-range overall health of the neighborhood." *Source: Clark County Public Information and Outreach
We are proud to partner with agencies and groups all over Clark County including Clark County, WA, Neighborhood Associations Council of Clark County (NACCC), Clark County Sheriff's Office, Vancouver Fire, CRESA 9-1-1, Evergreen Public Schools, and more.  We're pleased to partner with many others across Washington State, including WSDOT.  Pending approval this fall, we've submitted an application to become an official affiliate the nationwide organization Neighborhoods, USA (NUSA). 

Although utilizing technology is a means for information to reach you quickly, please exercise due diligence, certainly in regards to using social media.  Thank You!

Monday, August 3, 2015

Primary Election Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Reminder: Voters, tomorrow is the Primary Election.  If you haven't already mailed in your ballot, there are ballot drop boxes countywide, even three new locations.  For more local election information, including ballot drop box locations, click here.  Vote!