By state law, paroled sex offenders are prohibited from going outside on Halloween

[The Straight Story]

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

[CoffeeCat]

1. If you really want to make children safe....

prosecute those who have been accused of these crimes--for longer than
a few months.

And take seriously the allegations of survivors who have the courage
to step forward.

Enough with the boogey-man bullshit.

Most sexual abuse is committed on children by members of their immediate
family (father, stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, etc). Instead of
chasing around the 5 percent of sex-abuse crimes that are perpetrated
by strangers---why don't you do something about the epidemic of in-family
sexual abuse that is currently happening.

While these guys chase the boogey man, thousands of elementary-aged children
will be sexually abused in their own beds--most likely by their father or
stepfather.

When these children talk--believe them. Listen to them. Take seriously
their words and prosecute these bastards when it happens--instead of
putting your energy into fear-based programs that don't address the
real epidemic of sex abuse in this country.

/rant off

[DefenseLawyer]

2. You make a very good point

I would only take issue with your statement "When these children talk-- believe them." I would say "When these children talk-- investigate." We should not automatically assume that every allegation is true. Ignoring sexual abuse is terrible but taking every allegation to be true simply because it has been leveled at someone can be just as bad.

[IndianaJones]

3. good. nt.

[emilyg]

4. Very good.