Sheriff Paula Crouch Reminds Residents of Halloween Safety Rules and State Laws for Registered Sex Offender

Sheriff Paula Crouch is reminding residents about Illinois laws that apply to registered sex offenders and encouraging parents to take precautions to keep children safe during trick-or-treating.
 
Under Illinois law (720 ILCS 5/11-9.3(c-2)), child sex offenders are prohibited from participating in holiday events involving minors, including distributing candy, hosting trick-or-treat activities, or otherwise engaging with children on Halloween night. Individuals on parole, probation, or mandatory supervised release may also face additional restrictions, such as being required to remain indoors or keep exterior lights off. These conditions are enforced by the Illinois Department of Corrections and local law enforcement agencies.
 
“The safety of children has always been close to my heart,” said Sheriff Paula Crouch. “Earlier in my career, I worked with the Child Advocacy Center investigating cases of child abuse, and that experience continues to shape how I approach community safety today. Our deputies will be conducting compliance checks and patrols to make sure every child in Sangamon County can enjoy Halloween safely.”
 
Parents and guardians are encouraged to check the Illinois State Police Sex Offender Registry before heading out for the evening. The registry is updated regularly and can be searched by name, address, ZIP code, or county.
 
Illinois State Police Sex Offender Registry: https://isp.illinois.gov/Sor/public (https://isp.illinois.gov/Sor/public) 
 
“There are clear state laws in place designed to protect children and ensure a safe Halloween for families,” said Sheriff Paula Crouch. “ We encourage parents to plan their routes ahead of time and use the state registry to know which houses to avoid.”
 
If residents observe a registered sex offender engaging in trick-or-treating, handing out candy, or violating any supervision conditions, they are urged to call the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office at 217-753-6666. For emergencies, residents should always dial 9-1-1.
 
The Sheriff’s Office also encourages families to follow basic Halloween safety tips: accompany young children, carry flashlights, stay on well-lit streets, and remind kids never t
o enter a stranger’s home or vehicle.