Halloween Is Almost Here: What East Texas Parents Need to Know

(East Texas) Kids all across East Texas will be going door-to-door, ringing doorbells and saying 'Trick or Treat' on Halloween night. They're hoping for a big haul of candy, including the rare, prized full-sized candy bar. Kids aren't that big on the trick part, honestly; they just want the treats. While it is a fun night, local law enforcement agencies are encouraging parents to be vigilant and watch their children because they know that not all the houses they're visiting are friendly houses. Parents should supervise their children, plan a safe route, and use available safety resources.

When I was a kid, we had free rein in the neighborhood and went wherever we wanted with our friends to trick-or-treat. Our parents stayed home and handed out the candy to the other neighborhood kids. Times, though, have changed, and parents should be going with their kids because there are predators, and have always been, in our neighborhoods. The Palestine and Rusk Police Departments are reminding their citizens of this fact.

Get our free mobile app

What Palestine and Rusk Police Are Sharing Before Halloween

The Palestine Police Department wants everyone to have a safe and Happy Halloween, and as part of a Halloween safety outreach program, they have posted a list of addresses from the list of registered sex offenders that live within their city. The department is wanting parents to be aware and for them to be informed where their kids are going trick-or-treating.

The Palestine Police Department isn't the only department that has published and posted a list like this; the Rusk Police Department posted a listing of registered sex offenders within its city in accordance with Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the posting states.

How to Search the Texas Sex Offender Registry

Several comments on the Palestine Police Department post are calling upon other local police departments to do the same for their city. Parents can also research this information on their own anytime by searching the Texas Sex Offender Registry website that is hosted by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

READ MORE: Are Rising Candy Prices Making East Texans Rethink Halloween?

Halloween Safety Tips for Parents and Children

As a parent, I always had a watchful eye on my kid as I went trick-or-treating with them and other friends. Then, before she could eat any, we checked her candy before she ate any. Halloween night, parents should be along with their younger children; they should carry a flashlight, stay on sidewalks, and never run into the street. Just be aware and cautious, and everyone will have a great time on Halloween night.

Now let's hope your kid finds that rare house that gives out those full-sized candy bars.