Police to corral sex offenders during trick-or-treat hours

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH/AP) - As trick-or-treaters hit the streets in Marion County on Wednesday night, several hundred sex offenders will have to leave their homes and spend the time with police.

About 300 sex offenders currently under supervised release in Marion County will have to spend trick-or-treat hours – from 5:45 to 9 p.m. - at a specific location. It's a move to help keep kids safe.

Registered sex offenders who are not on supervised release, though, are allowed to stay home, so police encourage you to check Indiana's sex offender registry so you know where offenders live.

They are not allowed to pass out treats to kids on Halloween, the Department of Correction said, and are required to attend a mandatory meeting and turn in safety plans Wednesday, or stay at home and not pass out candy. Sex offenders also must adhere to a special curfew and other restrictions during their community's scheduled trick or treat hours.

Paroled sex offenders also have been told to turn off their outside lights and refrain from displaying Halloween decorations. Some plan to post signs that they are not passing out candy.

The DOC said parole officers and police around the state will monitor parolees to make sure they follow the rules. Sex offenders also will be subject to unannounced home visits.