From the desk of Sheriff Bill Prummell-
There are approximately 300 registered sex offenders in Charlotte County, and I want parents to know which houses their children should avoid when trick-or-treating.
Halloween is supposed to be fun and stress-free. It’s a time when, just for one night, kids get to dress up in costume and forget about the worries of school or homework or whatever else they may be dealing with. I want them to be able to do that safely; but unfortunately, there are some houses that should be avoided in order to make that happen.
I advise parents to download the free CCSO mobile app, which you can find in your Apple or Google Play store by searching “CCSO”. The app has many features, but in this case, I would like to point out the instant link to the Sex Offender Registry. Once you click on it, you will see a map showing the homes of sex offenders in your area. You can click on them and see exactly who they are and where they live, allowing you to plan your trick-or-treat route around those houses. You can also access this information from our webpage, which links to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website. It is a good idea to have this information even if you aren’t planning on trick-or-treating in your neighborhood.
Being proactive is the best way to ensure safety. Please take the time to download the app and check your neighborhood. My deputies will be on patrol to keep everyone safe, and you can always report any concerns by calling our non-emergency number (941) 639-0013 or submitting a tip through that app. Let’s make sure our kids get to enjoy Halloween… they deserve it.
And hopefully we will be able to bring back our annual Cops and Goblins event next year.
Stay safe, stay strong.
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