No Halloween for Sex Offenders in Decatur

Paroled sex offenders in Decatur will be under increased supervision and prohibited from participating in Halloween festivities tonight, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles said in a news release.

Sex offenders will be under dusk to dawn curfews, must keep outside lights turned off and are prohibited from putting up Halloween decorations and answering the door, except for law enforcement.

Some offenders will also be directed to attend “programming,” and are subject to all compliance checks. Resident searches will also be conducted.

“These offenders are made very aware that they are to do nothing that would draw attention to themselves and that they know they cannot participate in Halloween at all,” said Michael Nail, executive director of parole.

In some areas of the state, sex offenders must report to a facility or location and stay there for the duration of trick-or-treating hours.

There are 905 registered sex offenders in DeKalb County, according to a sex offenders map by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Parole officers will also attend some community activities to conduct surveillance and ensure sex offenders are not present.

Families can also check the Georgia sex offender registry to determine where registered sex offenders live.

>>Patch file photo.

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