Department of Corrections probation officers increase sex offender supervision on Halloween

Tallahassee -- Florida Department of Corrections probation officers will be out in force statewide on Halloween, making sure sex offenders are not participating in Halloween activities involving children. Through surprise home visits and increased surveillance, probation officers are working closely with local law enforcement agencies statewide to keep Halloween safe for children.

“The Department’s first priority is always public safety, and during Halloween we traditionally heighten our focus on ensuring sexual offenders and predators under supervision stay away from children in compliance with the terms of their supervision,” said Walter McNeil, Florida Department of Corrections Secretary.

Probation Officers will instruct sex offenders currently on supervision who are restricted from having unsupervised contact with minors to comply with the following restrictions on Halloween:

• Do not give out candy or other treats.
• Turn off porch lights, close blinds.
• No outside decorations to attract children.
• Do not answer the door to trick or treaters.
• Do not dress in costume or masks.
• Do not attend Halloween parties where children will be present.

Parents are encouraged to accompany children when trick-or-treating, to carry a cell phone and to instruct them to avoid darkened houses and hotels/motels. Parents are encouraged to visit FDLE’s website at: http://www.flsexoffender.net to search for sexual offenders and predators in your area and sign up for alerts that notify you when a new registered predator or offender moves into your neighborhood.

Remember, the sex offenders listed on this website may not be the only sex offenders in an area. There are close to 10,000 sex offenders on state supervision in Florida and more than 55,000 sexual predators and offenders on the state’s registry.

By working together, parents, law enforcement, and the Florida Department of Corrections can help you and your children have a safe Halloween.