Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator said citizens who need a safe location to conduct business with people from classified advertisement websites such as Craigslist can do so at any of the Caddo Sheriff’s Office substations.

Prator said he will make the facilities available during regular hours of operation Monday through Friday. The Sheriff’s Office will not be involved in the transactions other than to provide citizens’ with a safe location and law enforcement presence when meeting unfamiliar people from the websites.

The Sheriff said the idea came from an out-of-state law enforcement agency after a Georgia couple was shot and killed last week allegedly by a man they met through Craigslist. The couple left home with cash to possibly buy a car from the man.   

 “Whether you are the buyer or the seller, meeting a stranger or having them come to your home is certainly risky business now days.  Coming here to meet where there is a law enforcement presence will be a good way to help protect our citizens and provide them with a level of comfort and safety,” Prator said.

Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office substations are located at 9956 Mansfield Road and 4910 North Market in Shreveport, and 11141 Hwy. 1 North in Oil City. They are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.