Pataki imposes a curfew on sex offenders, encourages parents to look at registry
Staff Report
State criminal-justice agencies have taken proactive measures to help ensure that children have a safe Halloween, according to a news release from Gov. George E. Pataki.
Besides enforcing a curfew on sex-offenders under state supervision, Pataki encourages parents to take advantage of many child-safety initiatives offered by the state, including the Sex Offender Registry at www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us.
The site will give parents an opportunity to map out specific houses where Level 3 sex-offenders live before sending children out on Halloween, Pataki said in a prepared statement.
Otsego County Sheriff Donald Mundy said such a suggestion was "a good idea" that parents could follow to help their ch
ildren stay safe.
"It is good common sense," said Delaware County Undersheriff Douglas Vredenburgh.
It would be one of several precautions he would take if he were sending out young children on Halloween, he said, adding that others are checking candy before it is eaten, increasing visibility and being aware of traffic.
In addition, Pataki has directed state police to provide extra patrols at areas subject to potential acts of violence and vandalism, according to the statement.
Troopers will be working with volunteer citizen groups to help with patrols.
More information about the initiatives is available on the state Criminal Justice website.
