Safe Child Dropoff Opens at Olney Courthouse

Olney parents dealing with difficult child custody exchanges now have a designated place to drop off and pick up their children under the watchful eye of a high-definition camera and sensitive microphone.

Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Joey Stewart, who also serves as Olney’s municipal judge, is overseeing the new Safe Exchange Zone outside the Olney subcourthouse on Hamilton Street.

The site is intended primarily for parents who may have contentious custody arrangements and want to make exchanges in a neutral location where their interactions are recorded.

“It gives them a safe place where it’s recorded,” Judge Stewart said. The camera provides high-quality audio and video capable of capturing conversations and activity in the exchange area.

The system records continuously and stores footage through a webbased system. If a problem occurs during an exchange, Judge Stewart can retrieve the recording and provide a copy when appropriate. He said the recordings can be admissible in court.

The project grew out of a similar safe exchange area that has operated at the Young County Sheriff ’s Office for several years. Precinct 1 Commissioner Stacy Cresswell had advocated creating an Olney location and approached Judge Stewart about completing the project.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Judge Stewart said.

Although child custody exchanges are the primary purpose, the site is available to anyone who wants a public, recorded location for a transaction. Residents buying or selling items through Facebook Marketplace or other online services, for example, can arrange to meet there. It also could be used for private vehicle sales or other transactions between strangers.

Judge Stewart said he wants to publicize the exchange zone because residents may not realize that it is now operating.

The camera is mounted near the back entrance of the subcourthouse and covers the designated exchange area along Hamilton Street.