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There are thousands of registered sex offenders living in Houston and Harris County. Law enforcement officials want to make sure they stay away from children when the kids are out on Halloween.

KHOU-TV

Corporal Joe Guerra is one of 21deputies who will visit sex offenders' homes on Halloween night.

Corporal Joe Guerra has been scanning the streets and checking his list.

"We always have to keep an eye on these guys," said Corporal Joe Guerra, Houston Constable Precinct 6.

That means stopping by their homes.

Corporal Guerra is one of 21deputies who will visit many of their precinct's 800 sex offenders' homes on Halloween night. That covers precincts six and seven of the Harris County Constable's neighborhoods.

One house does not belong to a sex offender, but he used it to show 11 News what registered sex offenders on parole and probation can't have on Monday night. Sex offenders are not allowed to have Halloween decorations or their porch lights on. They are also not allowed to open their doors to trick-or-treaters.

"We're here to make sure the registered sex offender will take all their stuff down and they won't confuse a child trick or treating on Halloween night," Corporal Guerra explained.

Maria Velasques was visiting a friend in a neighborhood where she knows sex offenders live.

"This street has a lot of bad and this has a lot of families here," said Maria Velasques.

Some sex offenders may not have been home when Corporal Guerra stopped by Thursday, but he will be back.

When the streets are dark and kids in costumes flood the streets, he will make sure they are in for a good treat.

"We'll keep the pressure on the sex offenders who know they're not supposed to be participating," Guerra said.

There is one caveat to the Halloween night rules. Not all registered sex offenders have to follow them -- only those who are on parole or probation. The others are free to be a part of Halloween, including handing out treats. But the constable's office wants them to know that they will be watched.