TN- Beyond reflective clothing and proper costumes: Protecting trick-or-treaters from sexual predators

10-25-2008 Tennessee:

MIDDLESBORO — Most parents would do anything to protect their children — and fortunately so. Halloween is a time when parents are particularly cautious, in general. However, there is one potential Halloween horror that state officials want parents to be especially aware of: Sexual predators within your community. Parents may be alarmed to learn that there are 26 registered sex offenders in Bell County and an astounding 52 sex offenders registered in Claiborne County.

Although it offers little comfort, not all of the registered offenders were convicted of committing crimes against children. Some convictions came from sex crimes committed against adult victims. Adult sex offenders also require state registration.

The Tennessee Board of Probation and Parole located in Nashville, Tenn. has issued a list of strict confinements prohibiting sex offenders (supervised by the board) from taking part in this year’s Halloween event. Each state-supervised sex offender in Tennessee received a letter detailing their restrictions, which apply to any Halloween celebration, festival event, and/or other fall harvest activities.

Executive Director Bo Irvin said, “Halloween is different from other holidays because children and adults may wear costumes, and because candy is given as a treat. By issuing restrictions to state-supervised sex offenders, we make clear what they must do to comply with the law at this time. Our goal is to protect the safety of the public, especially children, throughout the Halloween season.”

The letter advised sex offenders that neither they nor anyone in their home can answer the door to trick-or treaters on Halloween. They cannot give any Halloween treats to children and are not permitted to hand out candy or decorate their homes — inside or out — for Halloween festivities.

In case sex offenders were looking for an alternate way to celebrate the season, Tenneessee’s Board of Probation and Parole ordered additional limitations. Sex offenders cannot host Halloween parties at their homes, go to a haunted house, corn maze, hay ride or any other seasonal activity. They may not wear costumes or take a child trick-or-treating.

Most importantly, sex offenders are not allowed at any function where children are gathered, including private residences.

To ensure the accuracy of their steps, probation and parole officers have discussed the restrictions with sex offenders under their supervision. Offenders were required to sign and acknowledge that they understood the limiting conditions of their agreement weeks in advance of Halloween.

Between now and Oct. 31, officers will make visits both announced and unannounced to sex offenders’ homes. They are looking to verify that offenders are complying with their curfews and other directives.

The Board of Probation and Parole (www.tn.gov/bopp) is an independent seven-member board appointed by the governor. The board decides which eligible felony offenders will be granted parole and released from incarceration to community-based supervision. Along with the supervision of those granted parole, the board is also responsible for supervising felony offenders who are placed on probation by criminal courts. Their website shares a complete list of the 52 registered sex offenders in Claiborne County, along with their address, date of birth, and crimes committed. ..News Source.. by Sarah Miracle/Staff Writer