Sex Offenders must post "No Candy" sign for Halloween

[HudsonHawk]

http://www.wbaltv.com/cnn-news/17721033/detail.html

No Candy: Sex Offenders Must Post Halloween Sign
POSTED: 10:51 am EDT October 15, 2008
UPDATED: 10:47 am EDT October 16, 2008

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Parents in Maryland are being told that not every house with a pumpkin is a Halloween stop for their trick-or-treating children.

Sex offenders in Maryland have begun receiving paper signs in the mail that show a pumpkin and read "No candy at this residence," which they must post on their front doors for Halloween or face a parole violation.

The signs and letters began arriving last week in the mailboxes of about 1,200 violent and child-sex offenders across the state.

"By making a commitment to refrain from participating in Halloween activities, you will enable the children and parents in your neighborhood to enjoy the holiday without undue anxiety," said the letter signed by Patrick McGee, Director of the Maryland Division of Parole and Probation. "In addition, you will also protect yourself from misunderstandings and the allegations that may arise from them."

The signs were accompanied by a letter explaining they must stay at home, turn off outside lights and not answer the door on Halloween.

"Because Halloween is a holiday during which large numbers of children interact with strangers, the concern among parents and other community members about sexual offenders in their neighborhoods is naturally intensified during this time of the year," the letter said.

The state began the program in 2005. Maryland is among a number of states placing Halloween restrictions on sex offenders. Maryland's regulations are almost identical to those adopted in Missouri, where four convicted sex offenders and the American Civil Liberties Union are challenging the state law in federal court.

Maryland is also distributing pamphlets statewide to warn families to stay away from homes with the pumpkin signs.

"We've had very good results," Wonda Adams, said a supervisor at the Parole and Probation Division and coordinator of the Halloween watch program.

"Our goal is public safety, and in keeping with that we need to make sure that the individuals under our supervision are provided with the enhanced supervision that we're committed to."

[jmur5074]

Sounds like an excellent program.

[Jenna]

LOL at the pumpkin's expression!

[Bob Loblaw]

I think they should be required to have a sign outside year round that says "I'm a creepy douchebag who likes to touch little boys/girls/goats, etc so stay away and watch your cornhole, kids!!!"

[armsmaster270]

At least one place has their act together.

[mack]

A good friend sent this to me,

Do you know your neighbors? This site will help you know the ones
you need to know even better.

Just put in your address - your neighborhood map will pop up.
Every place you see a red balloon or thumb tack is the home of a convicted felon.
Hover your mouse over an icon & not only will the name come up, but also the crime for which they were convicted.
Click on: http://www.felonspy.com/search.html

[10-42Adam]

I heard about this on Leno last night and think it's a great idea.

[mack]

Well, I hate this stuff, a friend sent that post to me and someone else sent me a note to check this out, once again Snopes proves another hoax, sorry all for the mis-information.

http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/hoaxes/felonspy.asp

A good friend sent this to me,

Do you know your neighbors? This site will help you know the ones
you need to know even better.

Just put in your address - your neighborhood map will pop up.
Every place you see a red balloon or thumb tack is the home of a convicted felon.
Hover your mouse over an icon & not only will the name come up, but also the crime for which they were convicted.
Click on: http://www.felonspy.com/search.html