Hidden Dangers on Halloween: Tips to Protect Children from Sexual Offenders and Predators
In Jacksonville, there are more than 2,500 registered Sexual Offenders and Sexual Predators who live in almost every neighborhood. On nights like Halloween, where children are going door-to-door for candy, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) Offender Tracking Unit will be
watching sexual offenders and sexual predators to ensure that they are adhering to the established laws.
There are pre-planned operations where all sexual offenders and sexual predators will get checked to make sure they have no enticing decorations and porch lights are off. Not even a carved pumpkin is allowed. The following is a list of laws that sexual offenders and sexual predators in Duval County must abide by:
- It is unlawful for any sexual offender or sexual predator to participate in any Halloween party or event if the event targets non-familial children.
- It is unlawful for any sexual offender or sexual predator to wear costumes, clothing, make-up, mask or anything that would alter a person's appearance in the presence of any non-familial children.
- Any person designated a sexual offender or sexual predator shall avoid all Halloween related contact with children.
- All outside residential lighting at a sexual offender or sexual predator’s residence must be off during the evening hours after 5 p.m. on October 31st.
- No Halloween decorations can be visible from the exterior of any sexual offender or sexual predator's residence from 6 a.m to 11:59 p.m. on October 31st.
Parents are encouraged to take a proactive step and use
FDLE's Sexual Offender and Predator System (state.fl.us) to see if there are any offenders or predators on the trick-or-treat route.
Additionally, individuals are reminded that if they see something suspicious to say something by calling police at 904.630.0500.
To view the post regarding this case on JSO's social media platforms, please click on one of the following links:
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