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Trick-Or-Treat Safety: Most Sex Offenders Can Give Out Candy
October 31, 2014
There are lots of ways to make trick-or-treating safer for children, including a quick check for sex offenders in the neighborhood.
According to the FDLE database, there are 23 sex offenders and predators in the Century area, six in the Walnut Hill/McDavid area, 15 near Molino and 60 in the Cantonment area. The numbers per zip code generally only increase further south in more populated areas in Escambia County. For instance, there are 162 registered offenders in the 32505 zip code.
Most Florida sex offenders and predators are legally allowed to hand out candy to children in their neighborhoods as long as they are no longer on supervised probation, according to law enforcement officials.
The Florida Department of Corrections will work in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies to keep the streets safe by ensuring sex offenders under felony supervision do not take part in any Halloween activities involving minors, the DOC said Thursday afternoon. Community Corrections officers will be making personal contact and conducting surveillance during trick-or-treat hours in local communities. Safety efforts will also include surprise visits by probation officers, multiple residence drive-bys, and increased surveillance at motels and treatment facilities that sex offenders use.
Authorities say that parents can turn to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s sexual offender database to find the address of registered sex offenders that may be in an area where their children will trick-or-treat. In addition to addresses, the FDLE database also offers photos and descriptions of offenders along with information about their crimes.
Sex offenders that are sill under supervised probation are not allowed to give out candy or treats, are required to turn off their porch lights and close blinds, have no outside decorations, are not allowed to dress in a costume or mask, and are not allowed to answer their doors for trick-or-treaters.
“Offenders who do not remain in compliance with the terms of their supervision will be subject to immediate arrest,” according to the DOC.
To search the FDLE sex offender database, click here. To check the Alabama sex offender database, click here.
In addition to checking the FDLE database, officials said parents should make sure trick-or-treaters are accompanied by an adult, have a flashlight and cellphone.
There are also several community fall festivals and events planned across the area tonight, offering a “safe” alternative to the traditional door to door trick-or-treating. For a list of many of those events, click here.
Comments
2 Responses to “Trick-Or-Treat Safety: Most Sex Offenders Can Give Out Candy”
There are several fall festivals going on tonight, please consider taking your children there and be with them to enjoy the fun in a safe environment.
Yeah I set up on fdle website where it emails me when one is within 5 miles of my house. There is one that just moved on Church St in century that was charged with luring a minor girl inside his vehicle. So I would recommend parents don’t let your children go alone.