Law enforcement agencies cracking down on sex offenders this Halloween

Several law enforcement agencies are cracking down on sex offender violators this Halloween.

Missouri State law said sex offenders are not allowed to have Halloween decorations, answer the door for trick-or-treaters or have their porch light on. They are required to have a sign on their front door saying “No candy or treats at this house,” and must be inside their residence from 5 to 10:30 p.m on Halloween.

Deputies from the Cole County Sheriff’s Department, the Callaway County Sheriff’s Office and the Miller County Sheriff’s Office will be out Tuesday night making sure sex offenders throughout the county are complying with the law.

“If we show up and someone is not where they are supposed to be, we will have an investigation,” Cole County Sheriff John Wheeler said. “Most people are following the rules but there are a couple we have had discussions with.”

Not all responsibility falls on local sheriff’s departments because not all sex offenders follow the law and register.

“These individuals know what the rules are and violating them or any stipulation could result in their arrest,” Detective Tom O’Sullivan told ABC 17 News.

“There is always a risk, but if we find out about them, we will do a warrant application form, get the warrant and arrest them,” Wheeler said.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has a list of every offender’s home and work address for public use.

Law enforcement officials reminds parents to tell their trick-or-treaters to only approach houses they know and that have their light on.