Missouri parents are concerned kids will knock on sex offenders’ doors Halloween night
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Parents are concerned kids will unknowingly knock on a sex offender’s door after a judged ruled that registered sex offenders in Missouri do not have to post a sign at their home on Halloween.
Before the ruling made this month, registered sex offenders in Missouri were required to post signs on Halloween saying, “No candy or treats at this residence.”
United States district judge John A. Ross ruled that the requirement is an example of compelled speech and therefore violates the first amendment.
Some viewers sent in videos to Fox 23, stating their concerns.
“The fact that registered sex offenders are no longer required to post any sort of signage outside their homes – that’s not okay. Transparency is key, and the state of Missouri can do better,” Danielle said.
“You’re just inviting more trouble by taking the signs down and letting the children go up to known sex offenders’ houses for trick-or-treating,” Lisa said.
Bobby Newton of the Cape Girardeau Police Department says sex offenders are still required to follow other guidelines on Halloween.
“They have to be at the residence between 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. They can’t have any contact with the kids, and they must turn their porch lights off so kids don’t come to their house trick-or-treating,” Newton said.
The sheriff’s departments for Cape Girardeau and Scott counties will be doing compliance checks Halloween night. Sheriff Wes Drury gave advice for parents.
“I always tell people, go to the houses, go to the homes you know. That alleviates a lot of issues right off the bat,” Drury said.
When it comes to Halloween night, law enforcement officials say road safety is their main concern for kids walking in the streets.
“They’ve got one thing on their mind and that’s crossing the street or getting to the next house before they turn the light off – for more candy,” Drury said.
He urges drivers to be aware of their surroundings.
“I caution the public – just assume that if you see a kid, they are going to jump out in front of you,” Drury said.
Parents can find information about sex offenders in their area by visiting the online Missouri sex offender registry, here.
