The Tennessee Board of Probation & Parole is again enforcing restrictions prohibiting the sex offenders it supervises from taking part in Halloween and other fall festival activities. Every state-supervised sex offender in Tennessee received a document detailing the restrictions, which apply to any Halloween celebration, festival or other fall/harvest activity.
Executive Director Bo Irvin said, “Our goal is to protect the safety of the public, especially children, throughout the Halloween season. In past years, this effort has been highly effective. By reminding offenders of the restrictions upon them, and the consequences of non-compliance, we make the harvest season safer for Tennessee families.”
The letters advise sex offenders that:
Neither they, nor anyone in their home, can answer the door to trick or treaters on Halloween;
They cannot pass out candy;
Their homes cannot be decorated for Halloween, either inside or outside;
They cannot host Halloween parties at their homes;
They cannot go to haunted houses, corn mazes, hay rides or any other seasonal activity;
They cannot be at any function where children are gathered, including private residences;
They cannot give any Halloween treats to children;
They cannot wear costumes and
They cannot take any child trick or treating.
Probation/Parole Officers have discussed the restrictions with sex offenders under their supervision, and the offenders signed statements acknowledging that they understand and will comply with the conditions. Officers are making visits, both announced and unannounced, to verify that offenders are abiding by the terms of their curfews and the other directives.
The Board of Probation and Parole ( www.tn.gov/bopp/ ) is an independent seven-member board whose members are appointed by the Governor. The Board is charged with the responsibility of deciding which eligible felony offenders will be granted parole and released from incarceration to community-based supervision. Along with the supervision of those granted parole, the Board is also responsible for supervising felony offenders who are placed on probation by criminal courts.
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