Although Halloween is still around a month away, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Louisiana Probation and Parole–Natchitoches District Office, will conduct increased patrols and monitoring throughout Natchitoches Parish on Halloween, Saturday, Oct.31 according to Sheriff Stuart Wright.
“Halloween is one of the most anticipated nights of the year for children and families, and we remain committed to doing everything possible to help keep them safe,” said Detective Major J. Byles of the NPSO Criminal Investigations Bureau. “Our deputies, along with our partners from Probation and Parole, will be actively monitoring registered sex offenders and watching for suspicious activity throughout the parish.”
Registered sex offenders in Natchitoches Parish will be reminded of applicable state laws, registration requirements and any conditions of probation or parole that may apply to them during Halloween activities.
Louisiana law prohibits certain sex offenders from distributing candy or other gifts to persons under 18 on or concerning Halloween. State law also prohibits certain sex offenders from wearing a hood, mask or disguise with the intent to conceal their identity on or concerning Halloween. These provisions are contained in Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:313 and 14:313.1.
Deputies in both marked and unmarked units will be patrolling neighborhoods throughout Natchitoches Parish on Halloween night. Deputies and Probation and Parole agents will also be monitoring compliance and responding to any reported suspicious activity.
If your neighborhood, church or organization is hosting an organized Halloween event, please contact Detective Sgt. Eric Mogridge, Detective Sgt. Matthew Robertson or Deputy Donald Rachal at (318) 357-7830, or the Probation and Parole Office at (318) 357-3139.
Residents may visit npsheriff.org to access information concerning the sex offender registry in Natchitoches Parish.
Anyone who observes a registered sex offender violating applicable restrictions or notices suspicious behavior in their community is encouraged to contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 352-6432 or (318) 357-7851.
Sheriff Wright reminds motorists to use extra caution Halloween evening because children may be walking along streets, crossing roadways or moving through neighborhoods after dark. Parents are encouraged to accompany younger children, use reflective clothing or lighting when possible, and inspect treats before allowing children to consume them.
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office wishes everyone a safe and happy Halloween.