Extra Carson City deputies will be on patrol this Halloween, and Tier 2 sex offenders under supervision in the city can expect to see officers in their neighborhoods during trick-or-treating, said Carson City Sheriff's Lt. Ken Sandage.
"We are going to monitor all supervised sex offenders to make sure they are not passing out candy, and also that their outside lights are off," said Sandage.
Sandage said offenders who have a clause in their supervision to stay away from children, also must stay away from any Halloween activity involving children.
The Carson City Sheriff's Office also suggests the following tips to help make Halloween fun and safe:
- Costumes purchased at stores or made at home should be made of materials that are fire resistant and have eye holes large enough for good peripheral vision, which is especially important for safely crossing streets. Costume props should be flexible enough to not cause injury if fallen on.
- The use of any toy or simulated gun as a prop is not recommended.
- Instruct children to never go into the home of a stranger or get into their car.
- Make sure children carry a flashlight, glow stick or that they have reflective materials on costumes to make them more visible at night, especially when crossing streets.
- Younger children should never be allowed to go out alone on Halloween. They should be accompanied by an adult or teen- aged sibling. Parents should make sure that older children are responsible enough to go out on their own.
- Parents should plan a safe trick-or-treat route that includes stopping only at familiar homes in their own neighborhoods.
- Be sure to instruct older children to trick-or-treat in a group with other older children, to stay only in populated places and well lit areas, and not to cut through back alleys and fields.
- Parents should know the routes older children will be taking, set a time for their return home and make sure they understand the importance of being home on time.
- Be sure to instruct children not to eat any treats until they are brought home to be inspected by an adult.
- Adults should keep well informed about other activities their children may be attending or participating in such as parties, school or other functions.
- Explain to children the difference between tricks and vandalism.