Sheriff’s deputies hit streets for Halloween safety checks

By Kirsten Stokes

The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department will be out this Halloween evening conducting sex offender compliance checks around the area.

Before going out on patrol, officers at the law enforcement center had a meal and briefing from 5 to 5:30 p.m. to go over protocol and where each officer will do checks. Sheriff Bill Puett talked about the restrictions and guidelines that each offender needs to follow.

“They can’t be handing out candy, from 5 p.m. till, till 10 p.m.,” said sheriff Bill Puett.

While signs no longer have to be posted, that there is an offender at that residence, Puett said offenders do need their lights off and handing out candy or engaging in Halloween activities are prohibited.

These regulations and checks are meant to ensure the safety of other who go out for festivities.

“It’s important for us to come out and make sure all the offenders are abiding by the requirements. And, you know, to keep this public safe, children safe when they’re out, “officer Kenneth Shyrock said.

16 groups of two officers will conduct over 240 resident check Thursday evening.

Officers will be out from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. patrolling the community.