Pine Bluff Police Reminder: Sex Offenders & Halloween
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: October 29, 2009
The Pine Bluff Police Department is laying down the law when it comes to sex offenders and Halloween.
The department says officers will be randomly checking the homes of sex offenders to ensure compliance with state law.
They also remind parents to keep kids in safe costumes that are visible to cars, be present with trick-or-treaters while they go out, if possible, or know the exact route children plan to take while hunting for candy.
Police recently sent the following letter to all sex offenders registered in Pine Bluff:
To All Registered Sexual Offenders:
Because you are required to register as a sexual offender in the State of Arkansas, on October 31, 2009 you are required by the Pine Bluff Police Department to comply with the rules listed below. If there are any problems please address the problem with the Director of the Sexual Offender program in your area.
The Pine Bluff Police Department believes that the Halloween season is a holiday during which large numbers of children interact with strangers. The concern among parents and other community members about sexual offenders in their neighborhoods is naturally intensified during this time of year.
AS A SEX OFFENDER YOU ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH THE RULES LISTED BELOW:
No one in the home can answer the door to trick or treaters on Halloween.
* You are required to stay in your home from 6:00 p.m. until 10:30 pm.
* You cannot pass out candy; you cannot give any Halloween treats to children.
* Your homes cannot be decorated inside or outside for Halloween.
* You cannot host Halloween parties at your home.
* You are not allowed to go to haunted houses, hay rides or any other seasonal activities.
* You cannot attend any functions where children are gathered, including private homes or mall activities.
* You cannot wear costumes.
* You cannot take any child trick or treating.
* You must have your porch light turned off.
Between now and Halloween, officers will make announced or unannounced visits to verify that you (offender) are complying.
The department says officers will be randomly checking the homes of sex offenders to ensure compliance with state law.
They also remind parents to keep kids in safe costumes that are visible to cars, be present with trick-or-treaters while they go out, if possible, or know the exact route children plan to take while hunting for candy.
Police recently sent the following letter to all sex offenders registered in Pine Bluff:
To All Registered Sexual Offenders:
Because you are required to register as a sexual offender in the State of Arkansas, on October 31, 2009 you are required by the Pine Bluff Police Department to comply with the rules listed below. If there are any problems please address the problem with the Director of the Sexual Offender program in your area.
The Pine Bluff Police Department believes that the Halloween season is a holiday during which large numbers of children interact with strangers. The concern among parents and other community members about sexual offenders in their neighborhoods is naturally intensified during this time of year.
AS A SEX OFFENDER YOU ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH THE RULES LISTED BELOW:
No one in the home can answer the door to trick or treaters on Halloween.
* You are required to stay in your home from 6:00 p.m. until 10:30 pm.
* You cannot pass out candy; you cannot give any Halloween treats to children.
* Your homes cannot be decorated inside or outside for Halloween.
* You cannot host Halloween parties at your home.
* You are not allowed to go to haunted houses, hay rides or any other seasonal activities.
* You cannot attend any functions where children are gathered, including private homes or mall activities.
* You cannot wear costumes.
* You cannot take any child trick or treating.
* You must have your porch light turned off.
Between now and Halloween, officers will make announced or unannounced visits to verify that you (offender) are complying.
