MADISON, Wis. – This Halloween, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) will again be working with local law enforcement agencies across the state to closely monitor sex offenders on probation or parole and keep children safe during Halloween trick-or-treat activities. DOC Probation and Parole Agents, working with law enforcement, will conduct random home visits on high-risk sex offenders during trick-or-treat hours. Individuals on the sex offender registry who are on probation or parole are prohibited from having Halloween decorations inside or outside of their homes, may not distribute candy or participate in other trick-or-treating activities and must keep their porch lights off during trick-or-treating. Any sex offenders in violation of the “Trick or Treating Restrictions” will be placed into custody. “Halloween is a fun time of year for children,” said Grace Knutson, DOC’s director of Sex Offender Programs. “It is also an opportune moment to discuss safety with children that can be practiced throughout the whole year. For trick or treating, children should never go alone and always be accompanied by a parent or trusted adult. Stick to well-lit streets and familiar neighborhoods. Children should be taught to watch when crossing the streets, never enter homes of other people or cars without their parent’s permission and carry a cell phone for quick communication or so parents can check their location through cell signal.” Parents can get to know the neighborhood by accessing the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry web site at http://wistaysafe.gov/ and conducting a zip code or geographic radius search. If the public sees any possible violations, they may call in the tip at 1-877-234-0085. As always, the DOC recommends that the public contact local law enforcement if the situation is an emergency.
