The North Kansas City Police Department welcomes citizens to use our police station lobby as a location to conduct private transactions related to online purchases, such as Craigslist. The notoriety of crimes wherein a buyer or seller in an internet arranged transaction was victimized has created a need for locations where the public has a sense of security. Members of the police department will not assist in the facilitation of the transaction, which would include obtaining identification from the buyer or seller, checking serial numbers on items involved in the transaction, or negotiating types of payment. The sale or purchase of firearms will not be permitted in the police station lobby. The police department assumes no liability regarding the quality or authenticity of the items involved in the transaction.

The police lobby is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The lobby is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. At other times, access to the lobby is controlled. A red phone in the foyer may be utilized to contact communications unit personnel who will be able to grant access to the lobby.

General Social Media Transaction Safety Tips:

• Insist to meet at a public place
• Don't go alone
• Trust your instincts
• Do not meet in a secluded area
• Do not invite strangers into your home, and do not go to theirs
• Be cautious when buying/selling high value items
• Perform the transaction during daylight hours
• If it sounds to good to be true, it normally is
• Tell a friend or family member about your intentions
• Take your cell phone with you