Registered sex offenders prohibited from participating in Halloween

The Monett Police Department will conduct registered sex offender compliance checks on Halloween night.
Officers will check the residences of registered sex offenders inside the city limits to ensure compliance of Halloween restricted activities.
Any person required to register as a sexual offender under sections RSMo. 589.400 to 589.425 shall be required on Oct. 31 of each year to:

• Avoid all Halloween related contact with children
• Remain inside his or her residence between the hours of 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. unless required to be elsewhere for just cause, including but not limited to employment or medical emergencies
• Post a sign at his or her residence stating, "No candy or treats at this residence"
• Leave all outside residential lighting off during the evening hours after 5 p.m.

Any person required to register as a sexual offender under these provisions violates the law and is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
"In past years, most violators were not in compliance because they did not post a sign," said Jay Jastal, school resource officer and public information officer with the Monett Police Department. "The results of the checks will be forwarded to the respective sheriff's departments."

Melonie Roberts, The Monett Times