HOUSTON – Halloween is supposed to be all about fun for kids, but as it turns out, there are sex offenders out there who are allowed to participate in trick-or-treat activities – and it’s not a loophole.
It may come as a shock to parents, but the fact is, there are some sex offenders who – once they complete the terms of their probation and parole – can decorate their homes and hand out treats to children.
Harris County Precinct 6 and Precinct 7 constables wanted to get the word out to parents Thursday, so families can protect their kids.
As always, the constables will be keeping an eye on all the sex offenders – even the ones who are done with their probation and parole – this Halloween.
Instead of having six officers on patrol, they will have 20 on the streets come October 31.
Some parents told KHOU 11 News they believe the extra effort from law enforcement is helping.
"To my knowledge, there’s never been an incident with a sex offender on Halloween, so that’s just precautionary to begin with," parent Tracy Painter said. "I think they’re working."
Parents can also pull up a map showing the addresses of every registered sex offender in their area at the Texas Department of Public Safety’s website.
And experts say, as always, parents should accompany their children – even the older ones – when they go trick-or-treating.
