October 26, 2007
Department of Corrections Urges Wisconsinites to Stay
SAFE During Halloween Activities
Agency Takes Additional Steps to Monitor Sex Offenders,
Encourages Use of ‘SAFE Tip’ Line
MADISON – With the Halloween season drawing near, the Wisconsin
Department of Corrections (DOC) is encouraging parents, grandparents and
others to use the Sex Offender Registry and accompanying resources to keep
children safe throughout the season.
“The Department of Corrections is doing everything it can to promote safe
streets and neighborhoods for everyone on Halloween,” Secretary Raemisch
said. “From prohibiting participation in trick-or-treating to unscheduled
evening home visits, our staff will keep close tabs on sex offenders who
are on supervision. I urge parents to use the Sex Offender Registry,
discuss protective behaviors with your kids, and keep the ‘SAFE Tip’ line
number handy to report possible trouble.”
Each Halloween, sex offenders under the supervision of the Department of
Corrections are prohibited from handing out candy, leaving their porch
lights on, or answering their doors to trick-or-treaters, They also are
prohibited from attending Halloween events where children may be present.
In addition, many sex offenders under the DOC’s supervision are prohibited
from having any unsupervised contact with children on any day of the year.
The DOC’s Division of Community Corrections is closely monitoring sex
offenders throughout the Halloween season. In addition to restricting
participation by offenders in Halloween activities, many agents will be
collaborating with law enforcement to make unannounced visits to sex
offenders’ homes during and after trick-or-treating hours. Further, the
DOC has posted a special message on its public Web site,
http://WIDOCOffenders.org, informing the public about what
the agency is doing and urging the public to call in tips of possible
violations to the “SAFE Tip” line.
The hotline was launched in 2005 as one part of Governor Doyle’s Sex
Offender Apprehension and Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Initiative, a
comprehensive agenda of strategies to tighten the net around sex offenders
and keep communities safe. As always, the DOC recommends that the public
contact local law enforcement if the situation is an emergency. The “SAFE
Tip” hotline is 1-877-234-0085.
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