LA- Officials making sex offenders attend meeting on Halloween night to keep them away from children

10-24-2008 Louisiana:

The Alexandria District Probation and Parole Office will host a meeting for sex offenders in six parishes on Halloween night to keep them away from children who are out trick-or-treating.

The parishes are Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle and Rapides.

“The aim is to keep all sex offenders, especially those that are under supervision, away from any contact with children on that night, as well as to update offenders on any new and/or revised laws and to review compliance issues with them,” a news release from the office said.

This is the third year of the Halloween night program.

Only sex offenders under supervision of Probation & Parole who have a valid and verified reason for not attending the meeting, such as a night job, may be excused from the meeting, but they cannot have any contact with children, the release said.

“Supervised sex offenders at home on Halloween night have been advised to turn off their lights, to not open doors and to avoid contact with children,” said Jeffrey Gaspard, Alexandria’s District Office administrator. “Whether at the meeting or at home, we greatly reduce the potential risk to our children.”

The news release states: “Attendance requirement at the educational meeting only applies to those sex offenders who are under probation or parole supervision. Those convicted sex offenders not under formal Probation & Parole supervision are encouraged to attend the class, both to learn of the new laws passed that may affect their status, as well as those sex offenders who want to avoid accusations of misconduct during trick-or-treating hours.”

Michael D. Wynne, Probation & Parole District Office coordinator for sex offender matters, said, “Probation and Parole is an active partner with all law enforcement in working toward a safe community this Halloween and all throughout the year. Parents, however, are still the key to making sure their child’s experience is safe and fun.”

Contact with the Alexandria P&P District Office can be made by calling (318) 487-5301.
..News Source.. by The Town Talk.com