(A) Purpose and intent. This section shall be known as the “Zacharv Finch Memorial Safe Transaction Zone Ordinance.” The purpose and intent of this section shall be:
(1) To promote personal and financial safety and consumer protection by providing Safe Transaction Zones to protect customers and residents of the City of Pembroke Pines from fraud, theft, and other crimes:
(2) To instill consumer confidence in residents within the City of Pembroke Pines, knowing that Safe Transaction Zones are in place to protect them against violent crimes, fraud, theft, and abuse, and to enhance their quality of life and promote commerce;
(3) To deter criminals from committing violent crimes, fraud and theft within the City of Pembroke Pines;
(4) To promote public awareness and crime prevention education to the residents of the City of Pembroke Pines or other transient persons that participate in e-commerce.
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following terms shall be defined, as follows:
ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS. Classified advertisement websites and applications which connect buyers and sellers of goods and services including, but not limited to Craigslist, Facebook, LetGo, Close5, 5Miles, OfferUp, Kijiji, Pinterest, Etsv, GunBroker, ArmsList, eBay and local classifieds.
SAFE TRANSACTION ZONES. A location within the City of Pembroke Pines with adequate lighting, as determined by the police department, where citizens and residents may meet in order to complete Online Classified transactions.
(C) Designation of safe transaction zones.
(1) In an attempt to reduce the likelihood of citizens falling victim to crimes, the City of Pembroke Pines hereby authorizes the City Manager, or his designee, to create a safe transaction zone program. The City Manager may enact administrative rules and policies as deemed necessary and prudent to implement this section.
(2) The safe transaction zone program shall designate and maintain safe transaction zones where consumers and residents can meet at locations in the City of Pembroke Pines with adequate lighting in order to complete transactions commencing on online classified advertisement websites.
(3) The safe transaction zones in the City of Pembroke Pines shall be easily accessible to residents of both East and West Pembroke Pines, and the City of Pembroke Pines Police Department shall establish, undertake, and maintain an outreach effort to inform residents of the safety benefits associated with using safe transaction zones.
(4) The City of Pembroke Pines may change the location of a safe transaction zone or designate other safe transaction zones from time to time, which shall be announced on the city's website.
(5) The safe transaction zone is designated to assist residents and consumers who are conducting private business transactions by answering newspaper advertisements or through online classifieds in order for residents and consumers to finalize their business transactions in a safer place.
(6) Law enforcement officials shall not be involved in verification, monitoring or facilitating private transactions. Safe transaction zones are designed to provide a known, well-lit and more secure.
(Ord. 1889, passed 10-4-17)