CONNECT with the CityDesignated Online Transaction Space (D.O.T.S.)
Now, more than ever, online platforms have become an epicenter for scam artists and predators looking to take advantage of innocent people. D.O.T.S. provides a convenient, public meeting place for carrying out or completing an online or private sale.
The pilot program was first launched in 2017 at the San Diego Police Department's Northeastern Division by Councilmember Chris Cate. While such zones are established in other parts of the country, D.O.T.S. is the first-of-its-kind for the City of San Diego and for the region. Marked with City of San Diego signage in a well-lit area, D.O.T.S. is in clear view of the San Diego Police Department’s front door. There is no appointment necessary. Optimal hours for transactions are when SDPD has an officer present at the front desk.
"I am honored to champion D.O.T.S. You cannot put a price tag on peace of mind,” stated Councilmember Chris Cate.
Locations
| Division | Address | Neighborhoods | Hours of Operation (SDPD on-site) |
| Central | 2501 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, CA 92102 | Balboa Park, Barrio Logan, Core-Columbia, Cortez, East Village, Gaslamp, Golden Hill, Grant Hill, Harborview, Horton Plaza, Little Italy, Logan Heights, Marina, Park West, Petco, Sherman Heights, South Park and Stockton | Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Eastern | 9225 Aero Drive, San Diego, CA 92123 | Allied Gardens, Birdland, College East, College West, Del Cerro, Grantville, Kearny Mesa, Lake Murray, Mission Valley East, Qualcomm, San Carlos, Serra Mesa and Tierrasanta | Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Mid City | 4310 Landis Avenue, San Diego, CA 92105 | Adams North, Azalea/Hollywood Park, Burlingame, Castle, Cherokee Point, Chollas Creek, Colina del Sol, Corridor, El Cerrito, Fairmont Park, Fairmont Village, Fox Canyon, Islenair, Kensington, Normal Heights, North Park, Redwood Village, Rolando, Rolando Park, Swan Canyon, Talmadge, Teralta East, and Teralta West | Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
| Northeastern | 13396 Salmon River Road, San Diego, CA 92129 | Carmel Mountain, Miramar, Miramar Ranch North, Mira Mesa, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Encantada, Rancho Peñasquitos, Sabre Springs, San Pasqual and Scripps Ranch | Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Northwestern | 12592 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130 | Sorrento Valley, Torrey Preserve, Del Mar Heights, Carmel Valley, North City, Torrey Highlands and Black Mountain Ranch | |
| Southern | 1120 27th Street, San Diego, CA 92154 | Border, Egger Highlands, Nestor, Ocean Crest, Otay Mesa, Otay Mesa West, Palm City, San Ysidro and Tijuana River Valley | Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours are subject to change depending on |
| Southeastern | 7222 Skyline Drive, San Diego, CA 92114 | Alta Vista, Bay Terrace, Broadway Heights, Chollas View, Emerald Hills, Encanto, Jamacha-Lomita, Lincoln Park, Mountain View, Mount Hope, O'Farrell, Oak Park, Paradise Hills, Ridgeview/Webster, Shelltown, Skyline, Southcrest and Valencia Park | Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed City Holidays) |
| Western | 5215 Gaines Street, San Diego, CA 92110 | Hillcrest, La Playa, Linda Vista, Loma Portal, Midtown, Midway District, Mission Hills, Mission Valley West, Morena, Ocean Beach, Old Town, Point Loma Heights, Roseville-Fleetridge, Sunset Cliffs, University Heights and Wooded Area | Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
Stipulations:
Illegal transactions are not permitted at D.O.T.S., i.e. transactions involving narcotics, dangerous or deadly weapons, or other dangerous materials
The City of San Diego and its employees will not act as a witness or otherwise take part in the transaction
The City of San Diego and its employees do not give legal advice
The City of San Diego and its employees are not trained nor authorized to validate the legitimacy of any transaction, item for sale, or the integrity or legality of a sale
The City of San Diego is simply providing a location to conduct business
San Diego Police Department Non-Emergency Lines:
(619) 531-2000
(858) 484-3154
“D.O.T.S. makes it even simpler to buy and sell securely,” said letgo spokesperson David Lorie. “Hopefully other cities follow San Diego's example, and we’ve launched SafeExchangePoint.com to support them and help consumers find safe, public places to complete transactions.”
“We commend the City of San Diego for successfully implementing its Designated Online Transaction Space (D.O.T.S.) program and valuing the importance of promoting safe neighbor to neighbor commerce,” said Natalie Angelillo, VP of Community at OfferUp. “Safety has been at the forefront of our mission and marketplace, and we look forward to working with the City to create a community of trust that allows commerce to flourish.”
“With an increase of online activity and the exchange of goods taking place in public, it is important for the community to have options of where to conduct these transactions. The San Diego Police Department is pleased to provide designated spaces throughout the city to accommodate this activity," said David Nisleit, Police Chief.
