Halloween to bring extra scrutiny for Jackson County sex offenders

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office will be watching registered sex offenders on Halloween night.

People on the registry cannot participate in Halloween activities involving children, according to Missouri law.

Registered sex offenders must remain inside their homes between 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on Halloween, unless they have a legitimate reason to be out for things such as work or medical appointments.

They also must post a sign at their residence stating, “No candy or treats at this residence” and turn off their outside lights during those same hours.

The sheriff’s office said deputies will conduct random checks to ensure that the rules are being followed.

“For those convicted sex offenders in Jackson County who choose not to obey the laws, we have zero tolerance,” Jackson County Sheriff Mike Sharp said in a written statement.

People who violate the law face up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

To report violations of the law, people are asked to call the sex offender registration enforcement unit at 816-881-3849.

Kansas does not have the same Halloween restrictions for registered sex offenders, unless they are on parole or probation and are specifically restricted from participating.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation said parents and guardians can check the state registry to see where registered offenders live.

The Missouri registry can be found here.

This story was originally published October 27, 2016 at 10:50 AM with the headline "Halloween to bring extra scrutiny for Jackson County sex offenders."