Sex offenders are talked out of partaking in Halloween

Law enforcement pays closer attention to sex offenders on Halloween.

They're doing so not only to protect children from predators, but possibly predators from the public.

Detective Tom Breedlove, who runs the sex case unit at the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, said those offenders who are off probation are legally permitted to decorate their houses and give candy to minors during Halloween. They're merely asked not to do so.

"We have had sex offenders handing out candy and we've never had a problem with it," Breedlove said. "When we told them to stop, they've stopped. When we make it clear why we're asking, they take it better ... We're looking out for their welfare as well."

There have been no recent cases of impropriety among sex offenders on Halloween. During one holiday season a few years ago there was a case of a registered sex offender whose house was vandalized by an angry neighbor who objected to him hanging Christmas decorations, Breedlove said.

People have had easy access to the whereabouts of sex offenders since the advent of online registries in the late 1990s. Deputies know to look for any signs or looming threats of vigilantism. Sex offenders are also leery of it, the detective said.

Those recently convicted and actively serving probation do not receive the same leeway from law enforcement, said Breedlove.

Breedlove said those who are on active probation are required to report to their probation offices in the early evening hours on Halloween. The rules that apply to them are much stricter.

"They have more restrictions and different compliance methods," said Breedlove.

Calls to the local probation office were not returned.

As of Tuesday, there were 284 sex offenders and predators living in Hernando County, according to the sheriff's office.

Deputies are more visible Halloween night and they increase their patrols of neighborhoods where sex offenders reside, Breedlove said.

Those who reside in the city have to deal with surveillance not only from the sheriff's office, but also Brooksville police.

"They kind of get checked twice," Breedlove said.