Comal County Offers “Safe Exchange Zone” for Parents Worried About Family Violence

Comal County parents worried about safety during custody exchanges now have a safe place to drop off and pick up kids.

There is now a designated parking area called the “Safety Exchange Zone” at the Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 Office, 145 David Jonas Dr., New Braunfels, where families can safely follow through with custody pick up and drop off.

Designated parking spaces have both audio and video surveillance and recording 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

“This County is so blessed to have the skills and passion of Constable Motz in his new Safe Exchange Zone,” said Comal County District Attorney Jennifer Tharp. “This is a fantastic program that not only assists law enforcement but also families in with what can often be a volatile situation. As district attorney I believe that through this program it will reduce family violence situations and provide a healthier environment for the children involved. I have had the privilege of working with Charlie over the past thirteen years and cannot wait to work with him on additional measures.”

Funding for the venture was obtained through a family violence prevention grant. The zone is the result of collaboration between the Comal County Sheriff’s Office and Comal County Constable’s Office Precinct 1.

“As your constable, I am constantly seeking new and innovative ways to provide additional services to county residents,” said Comal County Pct. 1 Constable Charles Motz in an email. “I would like to thank Sheriff (Mark) Reynolds for partnering with Precinct 1 to make this happen. The project will help in the prevention of family violence. Issues between custodial parents during custody exchanges is known problem. Additionally, this will free up law enforcement from being dispatched to provide a civil standby, and take reports for parents who do not show up during these exchanges.”