VSO Warns Against Sex Predators & Offers Halloween Alternatives

Daytona Beach, FL – Volusia Sheriff’s detectives are working with state Parole and Probation officers to make sure local sexual predators and offenders follow the rules during Halloween celebrations. The operation takes place from Saturday (October 31) afternoon through the evening hours across the county.  Checks will be conducted by detectives from the Sheriff’s Office’s Career Criminal Unit and officers from the state Department of Corrections to verify the probation status of sexual predators or sexual offenders.  Families taking part in trick-or-treating are encouraged to check volusiasheriff.org to research their neighborhood to locate known residences of sexual predators or offenders living nearby.  If you’d like to take part in a safe, social distancing Halloween event, visit the VSO Facebook page. From a VSO a press release: Probation conditions offenders must follow, according to state law (Florida Statutes 948.30): (1) The sexual predator/offender may not participate in the holiday celebration by having lights on or decorations which attract or lure children to the home. (2) The sexual predator/offender may not participate in the holiday celebration by wearing a costume. (3) The sexual predator/offender may not participate in the holiday celebration by giving or handing out candy or toys. However, sexual offenders and sexual predators who are not currently on probation, conditional release or house arrest may participate in the Halloween festivities, under state law. (F.S. section 943.0435 and section 775.21).