Media

Sheriff's Office Stepping Up Patrols To Help Ensure A Safe Halloween

Release Date: October 27, 2003

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office will be on high alert Halloween night to stop criminal behavior, especially pranks and other disruptive actions.

“Halloween is always a busy time for our officers . Halloween falls on Friday this year, and we'll have additional officers watching out for trick-or-treaters and those who might prey on the children,” said Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.

Deputies and their supervisors will be patrolling neighborhoods when not answering service calls. Additionally, the Metro D. U. I. Squad will be paying special attention to drivers throughout the evening. Lots of Halloween parties will be going on Halloween night and this often results in more people drinking and driving.

The Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit offers these reminders to the parents of trick-or-treaters:

• All candy needs to be inspected by parents before it is eaten.
• Children should always have adults with them while visiting homes to collect candy.
• Parents need to carry flashlights while out with their children.
• Children need to wear light-colored costumes that do not drag the ground.
• Reflecting tape is also recommended to help make the costumes more visible.
• Facemasks may impair the vision of children. Consider face paint or other costumes.
• Choose costumes that are flame resistant.
• Keep the children away from pets. Pets might be frightened by the Halloween costumes and possibly attack children.

“By our officers being out in force and the public keeping us informed, we'll hope to keep this a safe Halloween,” said Sheriff Luttrell.