NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
Metro Nashville police plan to make surprise home visits on sex offenders during Halloween to make sure they are complying with all state laws regulating their activities.
All convicted or registered sex offenders were sent letters from Tennessee's Board of Probation and Parole outlining restrictions surrounding Halloween.
"Officers, along with personnel from the board of probation or parole, will be checking on convicted sex offender at their homes to make sure they are not participating in Halloween activities including decorations or handing out candy," Metro Nashville Police Spokeswoman Kristin Mumford said.
Convicted or registered sex offenders on probation or parole are restricted from any Halloween festivities and are not allowed to pass out candy or treats.
Convicted, registered sex offenders who are not on probation or parole and whose victims were minors are restricted from pretending to be, dress as, impersonate or otherwise assume the identity of a real or fictional person or character while in the presence of a minor or with intent of enticing a minor.
"We would like parents to know if they are aware of a convicted or registered sex offender on parole in their neighborhood and parents see them doing that, call the police," Mumford said.
It is a felony for a convicted and or registered sex offender to not comply with the law.
Parents can search for sex offenders in their area by going to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations' Web site.
Metro police also want parents to focus on safety when deciding how to dress their children.
Vicki Hall was at Halloween Express at Cool Springs with her son Charlie looking for a costume Wednesday.
"We all have lights," she said. "They put blinking lights on them and we carry flashlights."
The Hall family also trick or treats in an area they are familiar with near their home.
"For one thing we know the area is generally safe," Hall said. "There are usually so many people out that as long as you keep your eyes on everyone around, it is safer than if you went out alone."
Metro police released a statement Wednesday outlining the department's plans for Halloween and best practices for parents.
It stated children should only accept wrapped or packaged candy and make sure an adult inspects the candy before it is eaten.
As far as costumes, police said children should wear light-colored clothing that is short enough to prevent tripping. Parents can add reflective tape to increase visibility at night.
Children who wear masks should make sure they can clearly see through the masks. Parents are urged to use face paint or make up as an alternative.
Also parents should keep costumed children away from pets, particularly dogs. Metro police said pets may not recognize the child and react viciously.
In addition to the surprise home visits by Nashville police, officers will also be out patrolling neighborhoods for any disruptive behavior.
Officers will take a zero tolerance approach to criminal behavior and pranks that cross the line.
