Story Published: Oct 31, 2009 at 8:21 AM PST
Story Updated: Oct 31, 2009 at 8:21 AM PST
When you are sending your kids door to door, the Asotin County Sheriff's Office said it's a good idea to know who might be opening that door. That's why they are encouraging parents to check out their Offender Watch website.
"What residents can do is go to the website and put in their address and look and it will show how many sex offenders who are Level two or Level three that live in that area and then it provides a photo if available and what their offense was," said Asotin County Sheriff's Office Captain Dan Hally. "We thought with trick or treating coming up and Halloween, a lot of parents have expressed that they are concerned about this issue and they will be able to check where their kids are trick or treating and know where to go and where not to."
Hally said there are a number of sex offenders in the county, most being level one, which is the least likely to re-offend.
"We have approximately 50 what we would consider Level one sex offenders and they are not going to be on this website," said Hally. "But we have eight Level two sex offenders and four Level three sex offenders."
Hally said to keep other safety issues in mind Saturday night as well.
"The biggest thing is to supervise your kids, keep them in line of sight," said Hally. "Be with them when they are out and about, be sure to wear reflective clothing, take a flashlight, the little glow sticks are great. Be careful crossing the streets, be safe, have fun and we will be out. We have plenty of staff on patrol and our goal is to make sure everyone is safe and has a good time."
To get to the Offender Watch website - go to the county website at www.co.asotin.wa.us, under the Sheriff tab click on Sex Offenders and then scroll down to the Offender Watch link.
