Authorities keeping watch on sex offenders
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Corrections is keeping an especially close eye on sex offenders this Halloween as part of Operation Safe Spirits.
The operation, now in its third year, involves teaming up with local law enforcement officials to conduct spot checks and make face-to-face contact with the state's 1,100 paroled sex offenders in the days leading up to Halloween.
"There will be thousands of children participating in Halloween activities in the coming days in Illinois," said a written release from Corrections Director Roger Walker. "We want to make sure your kids are safe to trick-or-treat in their neighborhoods."
By state law, paroled sex offenders are prohibited from going outside on Halloween, dressing in costume, passing out candy to trick-or-treaters or having their porch lights on during trick-or-treating hours. Violating any of those conditions can mean a trip back to prison.
http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2007/10/26/authorities_keeping_watch_on_sex