Operation Trick or Treat patrols are keeping children safe this halloween

CHARLOTTE, N.C.-- Nearly 750 sex offenders call Mecklenburg County home, and law enforcement officers checked up on each and every one of them Halloween night.

 “People are always concerned about their kids on Halloween,” said Capt. Kristjan Rahe of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. “We want to make sure their kids are safe because not every offender is a nice person.”

Capt. Rahe joined officers from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and other city police departments, along with the Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole, and U.S. Marshals, who fanned out across the county to knock on sex offenders’ doors.

The annual drill also reinforces the message to parents that they need to know where sex offenders live in their neighborhood, and what the law is regarding those sex offenders.

Offenders with crimes against children aren’t allowed within a thousand feet of a school or daycare.  Capt. Rahe also says they’re not allowed to be within 300 feet of places children are known to frequent – which means they can’t welcome trick-or-treaters to their doors.

The annual drill also reinforces the message to parents that they need to know where sex offenders live in their neighborhood, and what the law is regarding those sex offenders.

Offenders with crimes against children aren’t allowed within a thousand feet of a school or daycare.  Capt. Rahe also says they’re not allowed to be within 300 feet of places children are known to frequent – which means they can’t welcome trick-or-treaters to their doors.

“If we run into anyone tonight that has a crime like indecent liberties, for example,” said Rahe, “we're going to tell them to shut it down, they can't give out candy.”

Sex offenders who are not convicted of crimes with children can still welcome trick-or-treaters.  “The majority of our offenders are in compliance,” said Capt. Rahe.

Their efforts make parents like Kathy Poslusny feel relieved that officers are watching.  She wishes all sex offenders were banned from opening their doors, but she also has checked the registry to know where they live – and won’t go to their homes.  She’s glad officers are doing what they can.

“I think that's a really great idea,” said Poslusny, as she watched her children walk door-to-door.  “It makes me feel safer bringing my kids out, knowing they're being watched.”

Deputies made contact with about 90 percent of the sex offenders Saturday, said Rahe.  If the offenders weren’t home, a green note was left on their doors asking them to call.   Those who have moved without re-registering will be arrested. 

If you want to check and see if there is a sex offender living near your neighborhoodclick here.

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