FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT

Major Lafayette Woods, Jr.

Operation Commander/Public Information Officer

870.541.5351-OFFICE/870.329.5652-CELL

Email: lafayette.woods@jeffcoso.org

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS ISSUED BY JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE: Jefferson County, Arkansas – Friday, October 30, 2015 – During Halloween, children of all ages find great joy participating in the age old tradition of “trick or treat”. In order for our children to remain safe, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office encourages all children and parents to observe the following safety rules as they trick or treat:

• Attend organized Halloween events or programs in your community.
• If children go door-to-door “Trick or Treating,” they should stay within your neighborhood and only go homes of people known to you. Do not go to houses that are un-lighted and never enter a stranger’s home.
• Children “Trick or Treating” should travel in groups or be accompanied a parent, relative, or trusted friend. Younger children should always be accompanied by an adult.
• Children should only accept treats that are wrapped or packaged. Parents should examine all treats before allowing their child to consume them.
• Children should wear flame-retardant costumes. Costumes should be light in color or at least have reflective tape on them. Children should also carry a flashlight. Make sure that your child’s Halloween mask does not obstruct his or her vision.

 

“Parents are encouraged to check the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Sex Offender section of the website at www.jeffcoso.org and familiarize themselves with the registered sex offenders in their neighborhood, as sex offenders are not required to stay at home on Halloween night unless it is a condition of their Parole or Probation. Registered Sex Offenders residing in Jefferson County are listed on the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office website.”

 

“If you suspect that any of your child’s treats have been tampered with, call 9-1-1 and report it. Save the un-eaten portion of the treat along with whatever object(s) you find so it can be examined by the responding officer. Tampering with any consumer product is a violation of both federal and state laws.”

 

“Also, please instruct your children that damaging another person’s property or causing them injury; however slight, is a CRIME – not a prank!”

 

“The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office extends it's very best wishes to everyone for a Safe and Happy Halloween and we encourage children, parents and motorists on Halloween to “stay alert and observe these simple safety rules to keep our children safe.”