Halloween & Sex Offenders

 

Statistics indicate there are no more sex attacks on children at Halloween/Trick-or-Treating than any other night of the year. Another way of putting it is there are no less attacks. Halloween does give sex offenders a wider variety of chances to mingle with children than they have the rest of the year. 

Some states have passed restrictive laws concerning what sexual predators are not allowed to do. Strangely, Alabama is not one of them. Our state has none of the "No Candy" laws found in neighboring Tennessee and a dozen other states.

This is probably one reason local law enforcement beef up patrols on Halloween night. No, it is not the responsibility of the police to babysit these children, but many parents think sending a 13 year-old cousin with a group of little ones is sufficient. News flash: It isn't.

According to an announcement from the Florence police, that organization was expecting Halloween to be celebrated on Saturday, per Mayor Betterton's "suggestion." Is the FPD now struggling to cover Sunday as well? 

Good luck to Florence parents out there. Hopefully in six years when the problem rolls around again, we'll have a mayor with more than pumpkin pie filling for brains.

What are some No Candy laws that other states have passed?

• You should not go with a child to treat-or-trick or attend any function where children are gathered, even if it is a private residence
• You are not allowed to put on masks or costumes
• You should not place any Halloween decorations either inside or outside of your home
• Your porch lights should be off, front doors and blinds/drapes closed on Halloween night. No member of your family is allowed to open doors to trick-or-treaters
• You are not allowed to give treats or candy to any children or attend any home or location involving the distribution of treats on Halloween night. This as well covers anyone who lives with you in your registered place of residence
• You are not allowed to have a party at your home on Halloween night
• You should not go to hayrides, haunted houses, corn mazes, or any other activity associated with Halloween
• You should stay in your home on Halloween night or attend an educational program with your parole officers if required to do so. The only exception to this rule involves a situation where you have to be somewhere else for a just cause for instance for medical or employment emergencies
• Post a sign on your front yard that says “No candy or treats at this residence.”