Arkansas Department of Corrections enforcement effort underway for Halloween

Fayetteville, Arkansas – In a press statement, the Arkansas Department of Corrections outlined the enforcement actions it will conduct against registered sex offenders before, during, and following Halloween.

“The Arkansas Department of Corrections, Division of Community Correction Sex Offender Services along with many of Parole/Probation Services officers are making sure sex offenders understand state laws that limit their participating in Halloween activities two weeks before and two weeks after Halloween,” the release states.

According to the press release, Act 463 was passed in 2019 and prohibits some sex offenders from taking part in Halloween-related activities. The department also notes that “all offenders on supervision for sex offenses will be monitored closely and held accountable during this holiday in the interest of public safety.”

If Level 3 and Level 4 sex offenders break Act 463 regulations, they might be charged with a Class D felony and sentenced to up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Act 463 prohibits these criminals from participating in trick-or-treating, throwing away candy to children, or attending events where these activities are required.

High-risk sexual offenders must either show up at their neighborhood parole/probation office on Halloween or stay at home. Additionally, they must display signs alerting visitors that trick-or-treating is not permitted at their properties.