JACKSON, Ga. — A Georgia police department is taking extra steps to ensure children are safe this Halloween.
The Butts County Sheriff’s Office in Jackson, Georgia, has posted signs in front of the houses of registered sex offenders in the county.
"As Sheriff, there is nothing more important to me than the safety of your children. This Halloween, my office has placed signs in front of every registered sex offender's house to notify the public that it's a house to avoid," Butts County Sheriff Gary Long said in a Facebook post Saturday. "Georgia law forbids registered sex offenders from participating in Halloween, to include decorations on their property."
Long also issued a word of caution to trick-or-treaters.
“Make sure to avoid houses which are marked with the attached posted signs in front of their residents (sic),” he said. “I hope you and your children have a safe and enjoyable Halloween. It is an honor and privilege to serve as your sheriff.”
The signs, Long said, are in accordance with a state law that requires the public to be informed of the presence of sexual offenders in a community.
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