Every Halloween, there are plenty of kids out trick or treating into the evening. That’s why Nueces County continues its annual effort to make sure those youngsters are as safe as possible.
The Adult Probation department wrapped up its sex offender sweep on Wednesday night. These surveillance checks are done to ensure registered sex offenders who are on probation or parole are meeting certain conditions as required by law.
According to Andrea Saenz, a probation officer with the department, these offenders are not allowed to turn on their porch lights, have any indoor or outdoor Halloween decorations, or hand out any Halloween candy from October 24 – November 1. Saenz says they are also required to be at home on the evening of Halloween, starting at 6 p.m. If they are working during that time, they are required to provide verification.
Saenz tells us that any violations are immediately reported to the courts.
In addition to visiting dozens of homes of registered sex offenders, the probation officers also handed out flyers to neighbors to let them know about the offenders being monitored in their areas. They also have safety tips for parents to protect their children from sex offenders around Halloween and year-round.
The fliers include a link to the Texas Department of Public Safety Sex Offender Registry. Saenz says it’s the best way for parents to find out about offenders who are currently not on probation or parole and are not under community supervision.
