Law Enforcement Knocking on Sex Offenders Doors on Halloween

On Halloween to ensure safety of children, Milwaukee law enforcement teams will conduct “Knock and Talks” at residences of known sex offenders and serve warrants on sex offenders who have not registered with the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry. 

The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office Apprehension Unit and Criminal Investigative Unit, Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) Probation and Parole, US Marshal’s Service and police departments in Milwaukee and West Allis have partnered to ensure the safety of children as they go door to door through neighborhoods in Milwaukee County collecting Halloween treats.

During the “Knock and Talks,” officers will enforce and confirm that sex offenders are in compliance with the Halloween guidelines set forth by the DOC. 

The Halloween rules for six offenders are as follows:

During any trick-or-treating in their neighborhood, the sex offender will remain in their residence one hour prior to and one hour following Halloween activities.

The home/apartment may not be decorated for Halloween – inside or outside.

The home/apartment must not have a lighted porch (or any indication that the residence is participating in Halloween activities.)

No distribution of candy at place of residence.

No possession of any costume or pieces of costume used for Halloween.

No participation in any activity related to Halloween and/or trick or treat activities; this includes visiting haunted house sites.

Last year, checks were conducted on 219 registered sex offenders, and five sex offenders were arrested for violation of their probation and parole conditions, including: having a 5-year-old child in the residence, drinking alcoholic beverages, and unapproved cell phones with internet access.

Milwaukee County Sheriff’s detectives have already begun to locate and arrest sex offenders with arrest warrants and for failure to register with the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry.