Check sex offender registry before going trick-or-treating on Halloween
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Officials are urging parents and caregivers to check their states sex offender registry before heading out on Halloween night.
In Missouri, there’s been a revision to the state law for sex offenders. In years past, a sex offender had to post a sign stating “no candy or treats at this residence.” That part of the statute has been removed after a judge ruled it unconstitutional.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol has a sex offender registry map on its website.
“I think just as a parent, you need to be a little bit more concerned and just take that moment and go on the database and just make sure who is in your neighborhood and what all is going on, and you’re safe and you’re covered,” said Claudia Hall, parent.
“There you can find a list of where ed sex offenders reside. So, we definitely encourage people to check their neighborhoods, check their streets, just check around where they plan to trick or treat before trick or treating, so they can know what homes to avoid and possibly who to avoid,” said Evita Caldwell with St. Louis Metropolitan Police.
Even with the update, sex offenders in Missouri are still required to keep their porch light off, stay inside between 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. and avoid all Halloween- related with children.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is also encouraging Illinoisans to utilize the registry on its website
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