JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — There are more than 2,300 registered sexual offenders and sexual predators who live in almost every neighborhood in Jacksonville.
On nights like Halloween, where children are going door-to-door for candy, police will be out enforcing the laws. Halloween presents an enticing opportunity for sex offenders and predators because of the number of kids out at night, trick-or-treating and knocking on strangers' doors.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Offender Tracking Unit will be watching registered sex offenders and predators on Halloween evening to ensure that they are adhering to the established laws.
JSO has pre-planned operations where all sexual offenders and predators will get checked to make sure they have no enticing decorations or porch lights on, and that the proper signage is displayed. Not even a carved pumpkin is allowed. The following is a list of laws that Sexual Offenders and Sexual Predators in Duval County must abide by:
- It is unlawful for any sexual offender or sexual predator to participate in any Halloween party or event if the event targets non-familial children.
- Any person designated a sexual offender or sexual predator shall avoid all Halloween related contact with children.
- From 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., on October 31, a sign must be posted at any sexual offender's or sexual predator's residence, stating, "No candy or treats here."
- All outside residential lighting must be off during the evening hours after 5 p.m. on October 31.
- No Halloween decorations can be visible from the exterior of any sexual offender's or sexual predator's residence.
Police encourage parents who are taking their children trick-or-treating to check for sexual offenders and sexual predators in the area and be aware.
You can search by address for sexual offenders and sexual predators here.
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