DeKalb Sheriff Prepares To Watch Sex Offenders on Halloween

A knock at the door on October 31 won’t signal a trick or a treat for 892 registered sex offenders living in DeKalb County, Georgia. That’s because on Halloween night, the only visitors they should expect will be wearing a uniform, not a costume.

Annually on Halloween, the Sex Offender Unit of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office makes the rounds to sex offenders’ homes to insure they are following the rules. Unlike some jurisdictions, DeKalb County only requires that offenders verify they are in compliance with state law. This means not decorating exteriors to attract the attention of trick-or-treaters and not opening their doors to young people that evening. In some counties in Georgia, offenders must spend the evening at the local jail.

Additionally, the sheriff’s office will work with the county probation office to watch the 17 individuals determined by the State of Georgia to be “sexual predators” and must wear ankle monitors wherever they go.

“The safety of citizens, especially our children, is our priority during this commemoration,” says Sheriff Jeffrey L. Mann. “We want everyone to be aware of our activity and to know that it is in the community’s best interest.”