Birmingham Police Stations Offer Safe Place To Exchange Online Purchases
A sign by the entrance to the Birmingham Police Department headquarters notes where internet purchases can be safely exchanged.
Online retailers such as Amazon may be a prominent way to shop online, but plenty of items are sold between individuals through the internet as well. On occasion, that can turn deadly.
In December, Destiny Washington, a 20-year-old University of Alabama at Birmingham student was shot and killed outside the student center. Police said Washington was exchanging a pair of Airpods she sold online when she was shot allegedly by the buyer.
“Meeting up with someone in a place that you’ve never met a stranger…is a dangerous practice,” Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said in a Thursday morning press conference.
Woodfin referenced another recent case where police investigated an internet sale transaction that resulted in a robbery in-person. He said the victim was not injured.
Woodfin said the lobbies at the Birmingham Police Department headquarters and the four precincts are available as safe locations for exchanging online purchases. Cameras are set up and police officers are present.
He said the downtown headquarters is available during regular business hours and precinct lobbies are open 24-hours a day.
“Police won’t be involved in your exchange. If you need them there for safety, they’re there,” Woodfin said.
The Mayor also announced at Thursday’s press conference that he plans to seek a second term during the municipal elections in August. He has not made a formal announcement but has been raising money for his campaign.
Two other candidates have announced their plans to challenge Woodfin: former Auburn University football player and businessman Chris Woods and Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales.
Virginia Democrats show map to counter Trump redistricting but its future is unclear
The new map still requires approval from the courts and the voters but, if enacted, it could help Democrats win four more House seats
What to watch at the 2026 Olympics
NPR journalists are at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Join host A Martinez and correspondents Becky Sullivan, Brian Mann, and Rachel Triesman as they talk about what's coming up.
A ‘Jane Doe’ in the R. Kelly trials is ready to share her real name. And her story
A once anonymous R. Kelly survivor, Reshona Landfair is now ready to reclaim her voice.
Alabama seek to bring back death penalty for child rape convictions
Alabama approved legislation Thursday to add rape and sexual torture of a child under 12 to the narrow list of crimes that could draw a death sentence.
What a crowded congressional primary in N.J. says about the state of Democrats
The contest is one of the first congressional primaries of the year where we will find out what issues are currently resonating with some Democratic voters. Here are some key things to know.
At NOCHI, students learn the art of making a Mardi Gras-worthy king cake
With Carnival in full swing, the New Orleans culinary school gave its students a crash course — and a rite of passage — in baking their first king cake.
