According to Wednesday's Washington Times article, sex offenders in Maryland will not be celebrating Halloween this year. Their hopes of dressing up as young children will be crushed.


Bright orange pumpkin signs with the words “NO CANDY AT THIS RESIDENCE” in capital letters written across, started being sent to the mailboxes of around 1,200 violent and child-sex offenders. These signs are meant to be hung up on October 31 to prevent young trick-or-treaters from going to these houses.


They are also being told to stay in their home with their lights off on Halloween.


Bright Pumpkin Sign, Not Quite Fitting

While I agree with the concept of keeping these sex offenders inside while young children are interacting all around the neighborhood, this Halloween decorated sign sends out the wrong message.
The bright orange pumpkin sign from far can be mistaken as a holiday decoration and kids may not notice the words until they are up to the doorstep. This allows for a dangerous situation, even if the offenders are told to stay inside. Is there an alarm that will signal if they step out on the front step? I don’t think so.


A Joke? Not So Funny

One agent, according to the Washington Times, was upset and said they were making “a joke” out of the issue. He also asked, “whether we would we be giving him a turkey decoration at Thanksgiving."


Thanksgiving? What about a sign warning Santa Clause at Christmas? Actually, I’m sure he already knows they haven’t been good this year…



A Question For You: What kind of rules and regulations should be set for violent and child-sex offenders on holidays and even regular days? - Sarah Henry




Photo by: Sarah Henry