New tools on Indy sex offender Web site

Halloween is almost here and there's a new tool to help parents keep their kids safe while they trick-or-treat.

The Marion County Sheriff's Department announced Thursday new updates to the county's sex offender watch Web site .

The site allows parents to pinpoint sexual offenders in their neighborhoods complete with an address, picture and description.

It also allows parents to sign up for e-mail alerts when a registered offender moves within a certain range of any specified address.

“We would not want this Halloween or any Halloween to have a tragedy because someone didn't stay informed. We think it's a great idea if parents would sit down with their children and go over this Web site and look at the maps and look at the exact addresses that they should not be ringing that doorbell,” said Colonel John Layton of the Marion County Sheriff’s Department.

Police also urge parents to stay with their children while they trick-or-treat and encourage kids to stay in groups.