Forrest County Sheriff advises parents to check sex offender registry before Halloween

The Forrest County Sheriff’s Office is asking families in Mississippi to review the state sex offender registry before finalizing their trick-or-treating routes. Sheriff’s Office Major Jamie Humphrey stated that many residents are unaware of the proximity of registered offenders to their own homes. He described the registry check as a safety step that is often overlooked during holiday planning.

Mississippi law does not prohibit registered sex offenders from participating in Halloween activities. Humphrey pointed out that this contrasts with regulations in other states. He cited Florida as an example where registered offenders are barred from displaying Halloween decorations. In Mississippi, he noted, there is no rule preventing these individuals from setting up displays or distributing candy to children.

Humphrey advised parents to search the Mississippi Sex Offender Registry online through the Department of Public Safety. The database allows users to search by specific address or ZIP code. He recommended that families familiarize themselves with the locations of offenders in their immediate area. If a registered offender’s home falls on a planned route, he said parents should simply avoid that house to eliminate uncertainty.

The sheriff’s office issued additional safety guidelines for the evening. They recommend active supervision for children under the age of 12. Parents should inspect all collected candy before it is consumed. Officers also called for increased attention during street crossings. Humphrey suggested teaching children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing. This ensures drivers are aware of the child's presence, a practice he said goes beyond the standard instruction to look both ways.