Sex Offenders Allowed to Pass Out Halloween Candy
JACKSON, Tenn. — Police say sex offenders can hand out candy on Halloween. “If a sex offender gives out candy, they’re not breaking the law as long as they didn’t do anything to entice that child to come to their house,” Captain Tyreece Miller said, with the Jackson Police Department. Miller helps keep track of sex offenders in Jackson. He says registered sex offenders cannot wear costumes or decorate their homes for Halloween. “Halloween is a fun time for kids and we want everybody to enjoy themselves and get lots of candy and things like that, but the main thing is we want everyone to be safe,” Miller said. Miller says sex offenders on probation or parole must be in by 5 p.m. Police encourage parents to look at the sex offender registry online. “They’re not obligated to identify themselves as sex offenders,” Miller said. “That’s what the registry’s for and the internet and things like that.” Jackson police will have officers in neighborhoods Halloween night. “We tell our officers you need to be special patrolling in certain areas and be cognizant of the children who are out there,” Miller said. Officers encourage parents to go with their kids trick-or-treating, travel in groups, and wear reflective attire so drivers can see you. Police say if sex offenders violate the rules, they could face additional charges.
