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    • Florida sex offenders must stay away from Halloween. This is what the law says
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    Florida sex offenders must stay away from Halloween. This is what the law says

    Umito Posted on

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    Tonight, children of all ages in their Halloween costumes will happily run to strangers’ homes and knock on their doors, hoping to find candy.

    The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and local law enforcement agencies across the state have been working for weeks to make sure they don’t accidentally do this. cheating on or treating a sexual predator.

    Since September, FDLE agents and local agencies have visited thousands of registered sex offenders and predators under surveillance to ensure they complied with Florida’s strict registration laws. As of October 28, nine people had been arrested, according to a press release.

    Tonight, Florida Department of Corrections probation officers, in conjunction with local law enforcement, will “thoroughly inspect the residences of sex offenders and predators under criminal supervision to ensure they are not participating in any activities related to Halloween and will apply the conditions ordered by the court. according to an emailed statement Thursday.

    “Florida Safe Halloween” began a few months ago to ensure the accuracy of Florida’s sex offender registry “ahead of its busiest week of the year, Halloween week,” the FDLE said.

    You can search sex offenders and predators by county here.

    Here’s how keep your children safe.

    Halloween Rules for Sex Offenders in Florida

    Florida has strict restrictions on sex offenders and predators on probation or on the state’s sex offender registry. Tonight, that means:

    • They cannot distribute candy or other treats
    • They must turn off all exterior residential lighting and close the blinds
    • They cannot use any outdoor decorations, including pumpkins, that might attract children on Halloween night.
    • They are not allowed to open the door to a trick-or-treater
    • They cannot wear costumes, makeup or masks to alter their appearance or attend Halloween events where children outside their family are present.

    How to Check Your Neighborhood for Sexual Predators Before Going Out

    Parents or guardians who take their children trick-or-treating are encouraged to look for sex offenders and predators in their area when planning their route, especially if they are going to an area other than their own neighborhood.

    You can search by name or address here or at the FDLE Search for sex offenders and predators page.

    You can also search using FDLE’s free mobile app (iOS | Android) by name, address or on an interactive map to see where to go safely to collect candy.

    The app also allows you to search for active AMBER, Missing Child, Silver and Blue alerts and find information on arrests, wanted persons, stolen vehicles and cold cases. Information about suspicious activity may also be submitted, but the FDLE emphasizes that this is not an emergency application and is not monitored 24/7. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

    Ready to party tonight? See tips for a fun and safe Halloween

    Halloween Trick or Treat Tips

    • Go to houses you know, in familiar, well-lit neighborhoods
    • Do not let children go out without an adult accompanying them
    • Trick or treat in groups
    • Teach your children to never enter homes to trick or treat, even if invited, and to never approach a home without a light on.
    • Bring flashlights or glow sticks
    • Have a plan and schedule in mind and always keep track of everyone’s whereabouts

    What is the difference between a sex offender and a sexual predator?

    In Florida, a sex offender is a person convicted of specific sex crimes against a minor who was released on or after October 1, 1997. This may include sexual battery, being lewd and lascivious in public, procuring a minor for prostitution, falsely imprisoning a minor and producing, possessing or distributing child pornography. , commonly known as child pornography.

    A sexual predator is a repeat offender or someone convicted of first-degree crimes.

    THE Florida Sexual Predator Law defines sexual predators as repeat sex offenders, sex offenders who use physical violence, and sex offenders who prey on children, and considers them “an extreme threat to public safety.”

    (This story has been updated with new information.)

    Umito
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