While Halloween is all about costumes, sugar and fun for kids, parents behind the scenes need to plan for a safe holiday in the event that sex offenders stray from the law forbidding them from handing out candy on Halloween.
A 2005 Kirk Dillard law (House Bill 121/PA 94-0159) prohibits sex offenders from participating in any holiday event involving children younger than 18 years of age as a condition of their probation, parole, mandatory supervised release or conditional discharge, according to a release from Dillard's office.
A more recent law (SB 3579/PA 97-0699) sponsored by Dillard this year restricts all child sex offenders from participating in these same types of holiday events. Offenders who break these laws may be subject to fines or revocation of their parole or probation, and could face additional jail time, according to the release.
“It’s always a good idea to be aware of any sex offenders living in your neighborhood, and then plan your Halloween route accordingly,” Dillard said in a statement. “The Illinois State Police (ISP) caution that Halloween is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for children. However, being aware of potential hazards and being prepared will help ensure a happy, safe Halloween night.”
DuPage County Sheriff John Zaruba's countywide Sexual Predator Enforcement, Apprehension and Registration (SPEAR) team will be out Halloween night ensuring known sex offenders are complying with the requirements of the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act. If they are not in compliance, they will be arrested, according to a release from the sheriff's office.
“Parents need to know that sex offenders may take advantage of vulnerable children this time of year," Zaruba said in a statement. "I encourage every parent to take a few minutes before their children go out trick or treating to check one of the online sex offender registries so they know if there are any offenders living in their area."
Sex Offenders in Your Neighborhood
A search of the Illinois Sex Offender Registry links 21 registered sex offenders to the city of Naperville. There is one registered sex offender listed as homeless in Naperville.
How the Map Works
The map is interactive, meaning you can zoom in, zoom out, or move it around to see all the plotted points.
Floating your cursor over one of the markers will give you the name of the sex offender and their address.
The term refers to anyone convicted after July 1, 1999 of certain violations in the Criminal Code of 1961. Sexual predators are required to register for their entire lives, according to the Illinois Sex Offender Information website.