10/28/2026
It’s Diboll’s Weekly FAQs!
Welcome back to Diboll’s Weekly FAQs! Our goal is simple: to provide clear, straightforward answers to some of the most common questions we receive at City Hall.
We understand that the answers may not always be what everyone wants to hear, but we believe an informed community is a stronger community.
This week, we're revisiting an important topic: Child Safety Zones in Diboll.
The City of Diboll has taken a proactive approach to protecting our children by establishing designated Child Safety Zones throughout our community. Let's take a closer look at what these zones are, how they work, and why they matter.
What is a Child Safety Zone?
A Child Safety Zone is a designated area surrounding a location where children commonly gather, such as schools, parks, and playgrounds.
Under the City's ordinance, these locations are protected by a 1,500-foot buffer that restricts certain registered s*x offenders from establishing residency within the designated area.
The purpose is straightforward: to provide an additional layer of protection for Diboll's children.
What types of locations qualify as Child Safety Zones?
Locations that may qualify include:
-Schools and school bus stops
-Public parks and playgrounds
-Daycare centers
-Libraries
-Recreation centers
-Youth sports complexes
These are places where children learn, play, and spend time with their families. Protecting these areas is a priority for the City.
When did Diboll adopt its Child Safety Zone Ordinance?
The original ordinance was presented to City Council on July 9, 2023, and received unanimous approval.
On August 12, 2025, Council amended the ordinance to clarify that additions to the official Child Safety Zone map require City Council approval.
The City has continued to evaluate and expand these protected areas as our community develops.
Was Diboll experiencing a problem that prompted the ordinance?
No, and our goal was to keep it that way.
When the ordinance was originally introduced, City Manager Jason Arnold explained:
"Currently, we do not have an issue in Diboll, but we are not going to wait until something happens before we act. The children of Diboll deserve to be looked after and that is what this ordinance is all about."
That philosophy remains unchanged. We believe in taking reasonable, proactive measures to protect our children rather than waiting for a tragedy to force action.
Has the ordinance made a difference?
We believe it has made a significant difference.
When the ordinance was originally adopted, Diboll had 36 registered s*x offenders residing within the city.
Now, that number has dropped to 9.
Additionally, the City had documented 40 instances in which prospective residents were turned away because of the ordinance.
These figures demonstrate the impact of our efforts, although the City recognizes that protecting children requires more than an ordinance alone.
Our Police Department continues to monitor compliance, enforce applicable laws, and work to keep our community safe.
What happens if someone violates the ordinance?
Violations are subject to enforcement and penalties authorized by the ordinance and applicable law.
Individuals may also face additional consequences for violating state registration requirements or conditions of probation or parole.
The Diboll Police Department takes compliance seriously and will enforce the ordinance.
Can registered s*x offenders travel through Child Safety Zones?
Yes. Simply traveling through a Child Safety Zone on a public street is not prohibited by the City's residency restrictions.
The ordinance addresses prohibited residency and other specifically restricted activities. Additional restrictions may apply under state law or an individual's probation or parole conditions.
Are there exemptions or an appeal process?
The City's ordinance establishes specific restrictions regarding residency within designated Child Safety Zones.
Anyone subject to these restrictions must comply with the ordinance and applicable law. Questions regarding individual circumstances should be directed to the Diboll Police Department.
How many Child Safety Zones are in Diboll?
Following the August 2025 amendment and expansion, Diboll had 16 designated Child Safety Zones.
Each designated location is surrounded by a 1,500-foot protective buffer, creating substantial areas throughout the city where the ordinance's residency restrictions apply.
The official Child Safety Zone map is available through the City at www.cityofdiboll.com or by contacting the Diboll Police Department.
Can additional Child Safety Zones be established?
Absolutely.
As Diboll continues to grow and new facilities or recreational areas are developed, the City can consider adding additional Child Safety Zones.
Any proposed addition must receive City Council approval before becoming part of the official map.
The Bottom Line:
Diboll takes the safety of our children seriously.
Our Child Safety Zone Ordinance is one of several tools we use to protect our community. We make no apologies for prioritizing the safety and well-being of our youngest residents.
Our message remains clear: Diboll will continue taking proactive steps to protect its children, enforce its ordinances, and maintain a safe community for families.
Thank you for reading another edition of Diboll's Weekly FAQs!
