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ALBANY--Gov. George E. Pataki has directed New York State's criminal justice agencies to take proactive measures so that New York's children can enjoy a happy and safe Halloween, including enforcing a curfew on sex offenders under state supervision for Halloween night.
The Governor also encouraged all parents and concerned citizens to take advantage of the many child safety initiatives being offered by the state, including the State's Sex Offender Registry, where you can go online www.criminaljustice.com and map out the specific houses and buildings that level three sex offenders live in before sending your children out for trick-or- treating.
"As a parent, I know that nothing is more frightening than the prospect of someone preying on your child. That is why we have directed the state's criminal justice agencies to do everything in their power to make sure our children are safe from sexual predators not only this Halloween, but every day," Pataki said. "New York State is implementing a number of measures to ensure that all of New York's families can have a safe and enjoyable time while trick-or-treating. In addition to instituting special conditions for sex offenders under State supervision and enhanced patrols by the New York State Police, I have directed the Division of Criminal Justice Services to extend their hours of operation for SAFE CHILD ID Cards so that interested parents can have additional opportunities to have cards made for their children before Halloween."
"I want to encourage all parents to take advantage of the criminal justice resources available-all of which have been created to ensure that New York's children are safer today than they were yesterday. By obtaining a free SAFE CHILD ID Card, or by visiting the Sex Offender Registry and New York's 100 Most Wanted web sites, parents can obtain the necessary information to make the right decisions about keeping their children safe," the Governor added.
The Governor has also directed the New York State Division of Parole to impose special restrictions for sex offenders under their supervision for Halloween. Beginning at 3 p.m., or immediately following dismissal from work or other approved community programs, all sex offender parolees are to remain in their residence until 6 a.m. the following morning. Parolees are not to participate in any Halloween activity; not permitted to wear any costume, mask or other disguise; and can not open the door to any minors who are trick-or-treating.
In addition, parolees are required to answer their telephones as parole officers will be making calls throughout the night and conducting unannounced curfew visits including administering polygraph tests.
New York State Division of Parole Executive Director Anthony G. Ellis II said, "The Division of Parole takes very seriously its responsibility of supervising sex offenders, that is why this Halloween season and consistent with past practices, the Division of Parole will impose special conditions on sex offenders, conduct surveillance, home visits and curfew checks at the offenders' residence. This collaborative, multi-pronged containment strategy gives parents, caregivers, law enforcement and the community an assurance they need in knowing that our neighborhoods are safe."
In addition, the Governor has directed the State Police to deploy patrol resources to those areas subject to potential acts of violence and vandalism, such as highway overpasses. In an effort to discourage potential life-threatening and reckless acts, State Police on the Thruway and many highways throughout the state will be working with volunteer citizens from various radio clubs, in what has become known as the Pumpkin Patrol. The State Police and volunteers will be closely watching highway bridges and overpasses beginning Sunday, Oct. 30 through Monday, Oct. 31.
New York State Police Superintendent Wayne E. Bennett said, "The New York State Police asks the public to act as extra eyes and ears and report acts of vandalism or violence to the police. We urge every citizen to act responsibly and do their part to keep our children and communities safe this Halloween. Any act that damages another person's property or causes injury, no matter how slight, is a crime and violators will be held accountable."
Parents are encouraged to visit the Division of Criminal Justice Services web site, www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us, to obtain more information about Operation SAFE CHILD ID Cards or to access information about Level 3 Sex Offenders living in New York State. Halloween Safety Tips and a downloadable Halloween Safety Coloring Book can be found on the New York State Police web site at www.troopers.state.ny.us.
10-28-05
© 2005 North
Country Gazette
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