Halloween can be just as scary for parents as it is for kids. But often for different reasons.
That's because they're worried about their kids' safety around a lot of
perfect strangers, some of whom could be convicted sex offenders.
But for several years now, Bell County has kept those sexual offenders off the streets.
Renauld Duchand keeps his four kids a little closer on October 31st, letting them take part in Halloween functions at church, but not on Halloween.
"You gotta be cautious at all times and you know, kids they're just enjoying it and not looking around," said Renauld.
While police departments like Killeen PD will keep officers on normal patrol Wednesday night, parents still worry.
"The world has gotten beyond having to check your treats for razor blades, it's just so much more than that," said Georgia Davis, a mother of two.
Which is why Bell County will keep sexual offenders behind closed doors.
On Halloween, about
72 sexual offenders in the Western Bell County area will be occupied in the C.S.C.D. building in Killeen, all to keep your
trick or treaters safe.
"We want to do everything we can to possibly protect the children, make sure nothing happens to them," said Joseph Sturgeon, Bell County Unit Supervisor for C.S.C.D.
"It does make me a little nervous that that has to happen but that's just the world that we live in right now," said Georgia.
Sturgeon says it's mandatory for sexual offenders to meet Wednesday night at C.S.C.D from 6:00p.m. to 9:30p.m., that's prime time for trick or treaters.
"If they're not here then it's a possibility that we will file some documentation with the courts," said Sturgeon.
Still, it doesn't change Renauld's mind."If I'd allow them, I would have a little safety assurance about it," he said.
But does make him feel a little better knowing the county is trying to keep kids safe.
West Bell County includes Nolanville, Harker Heights, and Killeen. East Bell County does the same program with sexual offenders for Temple and Belton. Even McLennan County participates in a similar program to keep sexual offenders off the streets for Halloween.
