Protecting Kids On Halloween
For children Halloween is a night of costumes, candy, and fun. But for sexual predators October 31st will be an opportunity to take advantage of kids out trick or treating. Kids won’t be the only ones going door-to-door this Tuesday. Parole officers will be checking in on convicted sex offenders who may be tempted to violate their parole. Events like Sunday’s Pittsford Family Fun Fest have become a tradition for parents concerned about letting their little ghosts and goblins out trick or treating.
“In this day and age you can’t be too careful, said Russ Gaenzle of Brighton. “This is a great alternative to even considering letting them go out alone. I’m sure it’s probably an opportune time for people who want to take advantage of kids to get them into their house. As oppose to any other time of year.”
To crack down on the two thousand registered sex offenders state wide parole officers instituted “Operation Halloween Zero Tolerance.” It’s a strict curfew for known sexual predators.
“To ensure that they are in the house, and they’re not taking part in any Halloween activities,” said Michael Hayden of the New York State Division of Parole.
“To make sure they’re not answering the door, and they’re not wearing masks thing of that nature. We’re asking all sex offenders to be in their house by three o’clock. They will be there all night,” added Hayden.
Officers will also be armed with portable DVD players to make sure sex offenders are not possessing pornographic material. “In the past our parole officers have made home visits and we have seen DVDs maybe not labeled as pornography. Of course maybe blank under a different cover,” Hayden added.
Checking the state’s sex offender registry to avoid areas where they live is also a good idea. But it’s not the only answer.
“The reality is there are sex offenders in our community that are not part of the registry,” said Pam weaver of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. “They may be answering their door. The rules really have to be making your child is safe with everyone who is out on that night.”
Geanzel says making sure his kids are safe doesn’t mean they can’t have a good time. “You can’t let it be all consuming. You know you always worry about your kids. I’m sure our parents did. But you can’t let it ruin what is a good time,” he said.
Kids are also advised to trick or treat in groups, and to avoid homes that are not well lit