At the end of this month, Arkansas families will celebrate Halloween for the 4th time since Act 463 was enacted. This bars certain sex offenders from participating in Halloween-related activities. All offenders on supervision for sex offenses will be monitored closely and held accountable during this holiday in the interest of public safety.
The Arkansas Department of Corrections, Division of Community Correction Sex Offender Services, has been working to make sure sex offenders understand state laws that limit them from participating in Halloween activities two weeks before and after Halloween.
Level 3 and 4 sex offenders who violate Act 463 restrictions may be charged with a Class D felony, serving up to six years in jail and a fine up to $10,000.
Act 463 bans Level 3 and 4 sex offenders from doing the following on Halloween:
- Handing out candy to minors,
- Participating in trick-or-treating, and
- Attending events involving wearing costumes or handing out candy to children.
Here are things that “high risk” sex offenders must do on Halloween:
- Report to their local Parole/Probation Office, or
- Remain at home on Halloween, and
- Post signs warning that children are not to trick-or-treat at their residences.
The Division of Community Correction prepares for Halloween for months in advance by contacting sex offenders to remind them of restrictions. Throughout the weekend, Probation and Parole Officers will be deployed statewide to ensure compliance using various enforcement methods, which may include home visits.
