By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – A number of the state's criminal justice agencies are taking proactive measures to make tonight's Halloween celebration a safe one.
Governor Pataki is encouraging parents to check out the state's Sex Offender Registry to find out where in their neighborhoods level three sex offenders are living. Pataki says it's all about giving parents the necessary information to keep their children safe. In addition, the state's Division of Parole is enforcing a curfew tonight on all sex offenders who are under state supervision. Division spokesman Scott Steinhardt said a number of conditions are being imposed on them.
"They are to remain in their homes from 3pm Halloween afternoon until 6am the next morning, immediately upon arriving home from work or an approved community program," Steinhardt said. "They're not to participate in any Halloween activities. They're not to open their doors to minors who are 'trick or treating.' They're not to wear any costumes, disguises or masks."
Steinhardt said they're also required to answer their telephones as parole officer make calls throughout the night. He said these precautions are something the Parole Division has been undertaking for several years now. Steinhardt these conditions apply only to those sex offenders who are still parolees.
"In Erie County, you're talking about 36 individuals. There are 13 in Niagara County," Steinhardt said. "In Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties, there are one each."
Steinhardt points out there are many more sex offenders who are no longer under parole supervision but must be registered.
The Governor said he's also directed the State Police to deploy patrols to those areas that are subject to potential acts of vandalism, such as highway overpasses.