Law enforcement to conduct random home visits of registered sex offenders during local trick-or-treating hours

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Department of Corrections is partnering with local law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin to conduct random home visits of registered sex offenders on community supervision during local trick-or-treating hours.

These restrictions, which have been established to protect children while they are trick-or-treating, prohibit sex offenders on community supervision from:

• Having any Halloween decorations, either inside or outside their residence;
• Handing out candy or participating in trick or treat activities;
• Wearing a Halloween costume; or
• Turning on their porch light during trick or treating hours.

In 2017, probation and parole agents conducted more than 2,100 home visits and took 38 sex offenders into custody for alleged supervision violations.

Sex Offender Registration Program Director Grace Knutson shared the following important reminders for safe trick-or-treating:

• Children should always be accompanied by a parent or trusted adult.
• Stay on well-lit streets and stick to neighborhoods you know well.
• Only stop at homes with a lit porch light.
• Never enter a home or car for a treat.
• Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to carry a cell phone for quick communication.
• Call 911 if you see any suspicious or unlawful activity.
• Children should yell “No!” and try to escape if a stranger tries to take them somewhere.
• Have a responsible adult check treats at the end of the night.