Can a convicted sex offender participate in Halloween/Trick-or-Treat activities?
If the convicted sex offender is on supervision – which means restrictions have been placed on them as they relate to probation/parole and not state law – then they may not be permitted to participate in trick-or-treat activities (i.e. porch lights must be turned off; not permitted to open the door to trick-or-treaters, etc.). This restriction only applies if that offender’s conditions of probation/parole prohibit contact with children.
If the convicted sex offender is not on supervision, then they are entitled to participate in trick-or-treat and other Halloween activities. This does apply to convicted sex offenders featured on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry. The only exceptions relate to VA Code §18.2-370.5 which restricts an offender’s access to school property.
Questions regarding an individual’s probation/parole status and any restrictions placed on them as a result of that status should be directed to the local Probation and Parole office or the Virginia Department of Corrections.
What can I do to protect my children?
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the Virginia Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry to identify the relevant addresses of convicted sex offenders. This enables adults and guardians to make informed decisions on what residences/businesses to approach for trick-or-treating.
Halloween night, the Virginia State Police Sex Offender Investigative Unit will be working with the Virginia Department of Corrections Probation and Parole to check on supervised sex offenders.