Mississippi Sheriff Advises Checking Registry Before Halloween

The Forrest County Sheriff's Office in Mississippi has asked parents to consult the state sex offender registry before selecting trick-or-treating paths for the upcoming holiday. Major Jamie Humphrey said the database is a practical tool that many families overlook during their seasonal planning.

Humphrey noted that residents often are unaware of who lives nearby. "Most people have no idea that a sex offender lives in their neighborhood or even as close to their residence as they do," he said. He pointed out that Mississippi law does not bar registered sex offenders from participating in Halloween activities, a difference from regulations in other states.

In Florida, registered offenders face restrictions on displaying Halloween decorations, Humphrey explained. Mississippi has no such rule. "A registered sex offender in the state of Florida can't put up Halloween decorations. And that's something maybe the state of Mississippi needs to look at," Humphrey said. "But there's no rule against them putting Halloween decorations up or even giving out candy on Halloween. They can do that."

The sheriff's office advises parents to search the Mississippi Sex Offender Registry online through the Department of Public Safety. The system allows users to look up addresses or ZIP codes. If a registered offender's home falls on a planned route, Humphrey recommends avoiding that specific house rather than guessing about potential risks.

"The best thing to do is just avoid the house, save any guesswork and just stay away from it. That's the best advice I could give a parent," Humphrey said. The office also encourages adults to supervise children under the age of 12 and to inspect all collected candy.

Officials specifically urged caution when children cross streets. Humphrey taught drivers to ensure they see the kids by making eye contact. "From the time me and you were in school, we were taught, look both ways before crossing the street," he said. "Well, now if you teach a kid to look both ways and you notice a car, make eye contact with it. Teach your kids to make eye contact with the driver. That way, that driver knows that that child's there."