Keep Kids Safe This Halloween by Following These Tips

Posted on October 31, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Tonight’s the night that many communities will have costumed kids trickling through the streets, trick-or-treating from door to door.

The Indiana State Police have provided a few safety tips to keep in mind to ensure your holiday is good spooky fun rather than seriously scary.

Motorists need to slow down and drive with extra caution and pedestrians should be sure to utilize sidewalks where possible and to look both ways before crossing the street.

Don’t wear costumes or masks that restrict mobility or your sight and bring along a flashlight, glow stick or some kind of reflective material to increase visibility.

Children should always trick-or-treat with an adult or in a group and be sure to use the buddy system when traveling from house to house.

If a child gets separated from their group, inform them that they should stay where they’re at and ask an adult with children for help. Provide your child with your cell phone number in case they get lost and need to contact you.

Children should only accept treats at the doorway of a home and should never enter the house of a stranger. Adults should always inspect treats before children are permitted to eat them. Only approach houses you trust or ones that have their porch light on.

Another way parents can feel safer before heading out is to know which houses to avoid.

Each county’s sex and violent offender registry can be accessed online. (You may need to adjust the settings on your computer to allow for Adobe Flash Player to work so you can select your county from the map.)

The database contains information provided by law enforcement agencies all across the country.

The tool allows you to enter in an address, that can be your own residence or someplace you’ll be trick-or-treating near, such as a school or government building. It then provides a list of offenders in the area as well as details like a picture, full names, descriptions and specific offenses.

However, it’s important to note that registered sex offenders are informed that they’re not permitted to participate in this youth-oriented activity.

For more than a decade the Indiana Department of Corrections has participated in a state-wide initiative called ‘Operation Safe Halloween’ as a way to monitor sex offenders and keep them off community streets during the holiday.

IDOC officials report that each year, staff members in the Parole Services Division work with local law enforcement, probation, and community corrections agencies to ensure full compliance and accountability.

As with previous years, sex offenders who remain at their approved residence are advised to turn off their outside lights during the evening hours, refrain from displaying Halloween decorations, and some will post signs that they are not participating in passing out candy.

All sex offenders will also be subject to unannounced home visits and compliance checks.

For additional information, follow the links provided above.