Dunklin County Sheriff’s Office shares Halloween safety reminders

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

DUNKLIN COUNTY, Mo. (KBSI) – The Dunklin County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents about Missouri’s sex offender laws and offering safety tips ahead of Halloween.

The sheriff’s office says Missouri law places restrictions on registered sex offenders, including where they can live and work.

Under state law, certain registered sex offenders are prohibited from living within 1,000 feet of schools, childcare facilities and other locations where children regularly gather. Employment and volunteer restrictions also apply to certain offenders.

Registered sex offenders are required to maintain current information with law enforcement and verify their registration as required by law. Information about registered sex offenders is available to the public.

The sheriff’s office also shared several Halloween safety recommendations, encouraging parents and guardians to accompany children while trick-or-treating and to follow these precautions:

– Travel in groups and ensure children are accompanied by an adult.
– Use sidewalks when available and walk facing traffic when sidewalks are unavailable.
– Carry flashlights and look both ways before crossing streets.
– Choose costumes and masks that do not obstruct vision or create tripping hazards.
– Visit homes with porch lights on and respect private property and decorations.

The sheriff’s office graphic also lists trick-or-treating hours as 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 31. However, those hours should not be described as a statewide legal requirement without additional verification, as trick-or-treating hours may vary by community.

The Dunklin County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to take precautions to help keep children and families safe this Halloween.