What Are New Braunfels City Public Records?
New Braunfels City public records are documentary materials gathered and maintained by or on behalf of a governmental body in the city. These materials may be available in paper, tape, digital, or electronic format, such as books, films, digital maps, electronic communications, videotapes, and so on. However, not all government-generated records are public information as per the Texas Public Information Act. Some records exempted from public disclosure include:
- Audit working papers
- Certain personnel information
- Confidential donor details
- Confidential law enforcement records
- Military discharge records
- Ongoing competition or bidding information
- Private birth and death records
- Private communications or correspondence
- Proprietary information
- Social Security numbers, personal account details, and other private personal information
Public city records may also be accessible from third-party websites. Record seekers may either opt to use these non-governmental platforms to search for a specific record or multiple city records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The name of the subject involved in the record (not juvenile)
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Note: It is possible to redact exempted information from copies provided to the public, as long as most of the contained information is public.
New Braunfels City Crime Statistics
According to the 2019 crime report published by the Texas Department of Public Safety, New Braunfels Police Department recorded 1,342 offenses in 2019, a 6.9% decrease in recorded offenses since 2018. In descending order, the reported crimes for 2019 included 805 larceny thefts, 209 burglaries, 174 assaults, 106 auto thefts, 25 robberies, 21 rape cases, and two murder offenses.
Compared to the 2018 statistics, the figures for murder and assault remained the same, while there was a 51.2%, 10.2%, and 2.8% decrease in rape, larceny-theft, and burglary offenses. Furthermore, recorded offenses for auto theft and robbery cases increased by 17.8% and 13.6%, respectively.
Are New Braunfels City Criminal Records Public?
New Braunfels City criminal records are partly public. Individuals can conduct public criminal history name searches on the CRS Public Site for a fee using search credits. Interested persons have to create an account on the site to access statewide arrest, prosecution, and conviction information that is not exempted from public disclosure.
However, users should note that the system only discloses information on arrests relating to Class B misdemeanors and higher crime classes. Similarly, only records of deferred adjudications and Class C convictions are available in the public system. Access to a more comprehensive criminal record is available on the Computerized Criminal History System (CCH), the statewide repository of criminal history record information. However, following the State Code, the system only provides access to the following entities:
- The record subject
- Criminal justice agencies, like law enforcement agencies, for criminal justice purposes
- Eligible entities identified in the State Code for specific non-criminal justice purposes, such as licensing, firearm sales, employment into certain healthcare jobs, and screening for security-sensitive jobs
- Companies or entities that provide in-home services like installations and repairs
- Certain entities for research purposes
How to Obtain New Braunfels City Police Reports and Arrest Records
New Braunfels arrest records, traffic accident reports, and police reports filed with the New Braunfels Police Department (NBPD) are available in compliance with the Texas Public Information Act. Not all of these records are public, but persons may obtain nonexempt information, as well as certain restricted information if the requester is a filer or directly affected by the event or case.
Usually, a free copy of a police report is available to the person who files the report. Additional access may be granted by the NBPD following a mailed, faxed, emailed, or submitted request letter to:
New Braunfels Police Department (Headquarters)
1488 South Seguin Avenue,
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Fax: (830) 608-2188
Email: policerecords@nbtexas.org
Requests should contain as much information about the required document as possible, especially record-specific details that may expedite the retrieval process. This may include the police report case number, incident date, record type, party names, and so on. Persons interested in obtaining accident reports can get copies for $6 from the NBPD upon requests made in person, via mail, or fax. Requesters are advised to keep a copy of the request letter and any issued receipt. Interested persons may also purchase these crash reports online.
Although documents held by the NBPD are available at Comal County Sheriff’s Office, the Records Division may be unable to release them without an open letter ruling issued by the Attorney General.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in New Braunfels City
Locating sex offenders in New Braunfels City is possible by using the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry managed by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Interested persons may use the search tool on the registry to conduct name, institute, or map/location searches, and the search result will show a list of relevant matches, including their names, birth dates, sex, race, and address. Clinking on an offender will provide a more detailed profile with additional information like:
- Mugshot or photograph
- Aliases
- SID number
- Risk level and verification requirements
- Registration date (ending)
- Offender's physical description such as hair color, eye color, ethnicity, height, weight, shoe size, and width
- Offense details like violated code, disposition date, judgment, victim's sex, and age
- Reporting agency and reported information
How to Find New Braunfels City Inmate Records
Located in New Braunfels City, the Comal County Jail is under the charge of the Comal County Sheriff’s Office. Hence, to find inmate records, interested persons may send jail open record requests to the Criminal Records/Jail Division online, via email, fax, or submitted in person to:
Comal County Criminal/Jail Records Division
3005 West San Antonio Street,
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Fax: (830) 608-0147
Phone: (830) 620-3412
Email: JailRecords@co.comal.tx.us
The request should contain the requester’s details and contact details, the method of receiving the record, and specific descriptions of the information needed. This may include the inmate’s name, birth date, incarceration date, and specific identification numbers.
Requesters may get the first 40 pages of a record for free, while additional copies cost 10 cents per copy. Furthermore, the Division will include research and collection fees to charges for large requests. The provided information will not contain inmates’ details exempted by law, such as dates of birth, driver's license numbers, and social security numbers.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in New Braunfels City Jail?
Inmate visits at the Comal County Jail facility are only permitted for persons listed in the inmate's visitor list. The visitation process is initiated by the inmate who submits a visitation form to the jail administrator, and this form can be updated or adjusted every 30 days. Both video and onsite visits may be available to the inmate. Eligible persons may conduct social visits according to the jail visitation schedule, which is also based on each inmate's housing unit. Potential visitors may pre-schedule visits by going to the kiosk located in the bonding lobby. After scheduling the visit, onsite visitors should take along a valid government-issued photo ID and be in the facility at least 15 minutes ahead of schedule for check-in.
What Are New Braunfels City Vital Records?
New Braunfels City vital records are documentary material gathered by government agencies that contain information on important life events like birth, marriage, death, and divorce. These records may be in the form of court decrees, licenses, certificates, and verification letters, as provided by the recording or issuing body which are present at county and state levels.
For instance, individuals may obtain New Braunfels City birth certificates, marriage records, and death records from the Comal County Clerk and the Texas Department of State Health Service (DSHS) – Vital Statistics Section. However, not all vital records are public. Some, like birth and death records, have partial restrictions i.e., not public for some years.
Where and How to Obtain New Braunfels City Divorce Records
New Braunfels City divorce records are available in various forms at both county and state levels. For instance, certified copies of divorce decrees are available with the clerk of the District Court or County Court at Law where parties filed the divorce, whereas the DSHS Vital Statistics Section issues verification letters for divorces that occurred in the state since 1968. For decrees of divorces that occurred at the District Court or County Court at Law, individuals should contact the District Clerk or County Clerk at:
District Clerk
199 Main Plaza,
Suite 2063
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: (830) 221-1250
Fax: (830) 608-2006
County Clerk
150 North Seguin,
Suite 1037
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: (830) 221-1230
Fax: (830) 620-3410
County Court at Law Clerks
199 Main Plaza,
First Floor
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Phone: (830) 221-1240
Fax: (830) 608-2021
For DSHS divorce verification letters, interested persons should send completed application forms, $20 fees, and valid ID to:
Walk-in:
DSHS - Vital Statistics Section
1100 West 49th Street,
Austin, TX 78756
(Weekdays: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Mail:
DSHS – VSS
P.O. Box 12040,
Austin, TX 78711-2040
FedEx, UPS, and LoneStar (Expedited requests):
DSHS – VSS MC 2096
1100 West 49th Street,
Austin, TX 78756
Note: A divorce verification letter is not the same as a divorce decree or certificate.
Where and How to Get Public New Braunfels City Marriage Records
The Comal County Clerk maintains records of formal and informal marriages in New Braunfels City. Interested persons can get certified copies of New Braunfels City marriage records by sending or submitting filled request forms and $21 fees in person or via mail to:
Comal County Clerk
Attn: Vitals Department
150 North Seguin,
Suite 101
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Fees are accepted as cash when the request is done in person. However, mailed requests should include fees in check or money order made payable to the Comal County Clerk. Interested persons may call the Vitals Department at (830) 221-1230 (ext 1126) to ask questions concerning applications via email.
At the state level, the DSHS Vital Statistics Section issues verification letters for marriages that happened from 1966 to date at $20 per copy. The verification letter confirms if a marriage was recorded in the state. It contains information on the event and the parties involved. However, it cannot be used as a legal substitute for marriage licenses.
Interested persons may request copies of marriage verification letters in person and via mail, and online by sending completed application forms, valid ID, and fees to:
Walk-in:
DSHS - Vital Statistics Section
1100 West 49th Street,
Austin, TX 78756
(Weekdays: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Mail:
DSHS – VSS
P.O. Box 12040,
Austin, TX 78711-2040
FedEx, UPS, and LoneStar (Expedited requests):
DSHS – VSS MC 2096
1100 West 49th Street,
Austin, TX 78756
Where and How to Find New Braunfels City Birth Records
New Braunfels City birth records are available at the Comal County Clerk Office and DSHS Vital Statistics Section. These records may be in the form of verification letters, which are publicly available, or as certified copies of certificates that are restricted to the record subject, immediate family members, guardians, and legal representative/agent for 75 years.
For local requests, eligible requesters should send the request form for certified copies of the certificate along with notarized proof of identity, $23 per copy, and a copy of valid ID to:
Comal County Clerk
Attn: Vital Statistics
150 North Seguin,
Suite 101
New Braunfels, TX 7813
To make DSHS requests for birth verification letters or certificates, individuals should send the application form filled with the appropriate information, $22 per copy, and other requirements to:
Walk-in:
DSHS - Vital Statistics Section
1100 West 49th Street,
Austin, TX 78756
(Weekdays: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Mail:
DSHS – VSS
P.O. Box 12040,
Austin, TX 78711-2040
FedEx, UPS, and LoneStar (Expedited requests):
DSHS – VSS MC 2096
1100 West 49th Street,
Austin, TX 78756
Fees may be in money orders or checks made payable to the DSHS - Vital Statistics.
Note: The DSHS issues both long-form and short-form birth certificates.
Where and How to Find New Braunfels City Death Records
The Comal County Clerk and the DSHS Vital Statistics Section maintain records of deaths that happened in the county and state, respectively. However, access is restricted to the deceased’s immediate family members, guardians, or legal representative/agent for the first 25 years after the death. Eligible persons may obtain certified copies of New Braunfels City death records locally from the Comal County Clerk by sending completed application forms with notarized proof of identity, fees, and copy of valid ID to:
Comal County Clerk
Attn: Vital Statistics
150 North Seguin,
Suite 101
New Braunfels, TX 7813
The clerk charges $21 for the first copy of the records and $4 each for subsequent copies requested together.
On the other hand, DSHS- Vital Statistics issues both death verification letters and a more comprehensive death certificate. The verification letter costs $20 per copy and is available to the public. Interested persons should send filled (unnotarized) application forms and other requirements to:
Walk-in:
DSHS - Vital Statistics Section
1100 West 49th Street,
Austin, TX 78756
(Weekdays: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Mail:
DSHS – VSS
P.O. Box 12040,
Austin, TX 78711-2040
Expedited requests: (FedEx, UPS, and LoneStar)
DSHS – VSS MC 2096
1100 West 49th Street,
Austin, TX 78756
Similarly, eligible requesters may request copies of death certificates by sending completed request forms, fees, and valid ID (or photocopy for mailed requests) to the above address. The first copy of a death certificate costs $20 and additional copies requested at the same time cost $3 each. Fees may be in money orders or checks made payable to the DSHS - Vital Statistics.
