October 23, 2008
 

    LANSING - Attorney General Mike Cox today encouraged Michigan parents to use the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry before taking their children trick-or-treating.  Cox also listed several other tips parents can follow to best protect their children this Halloween.
 

    "Halloween is a memorable time, but it also presents dangers as children often go door-to-door in neighborhoods they are unfamiliar with," said Cox.  "Doing a timely check of the sex offender registry, making sure your child is always with an adult and knowing the neighborhoods before you go trick-or-treating can help protect children from dangers."

    Cox offered the following tips to protect children this Halloween:

• Be sure all children are accompanied by an adult.
   

• Plan and discuss the trick-or-treating route with your child before they go out. 
   

• Check the Michigan Sex Offender Registry to avoid possible dangers along the planned route. 
  Visit http://www.mipsor.state.mi.us to use the Michigan Sex Offender Registry.
   

• Be sure children stop at only familiar and well-lit homes along the established route.
   

• Remind children never to enter a stranger's home.
   

• Instruct children not to eat any treats before they return home.
   

• Carry flashlights to help children see better.
   

• Wear costumes that are visible to motorists.
   

• Examine candy for tampering.

    "Michigan's children are our greatest resource," continued Cox.  "I am asking every Michigan parent to use all available tools to ensure their children's safety this Halloween."
 

    The Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry is maintained by the Michigan Sate Police, and available on the Internet at http://www.mipsor.state.mi.us.  The sex offender registry allows a person to check for offenders by several means, including a search by zip code.  One of the newer features of the registry is the ability to sign up for e-mail notifications.  The notification process allows a user to register up to six different zip codes and receive an automatic e-mail notice whenever a sex offender moves into any of the registered zip codes. 
 

    The Attorney General also reminds parents to closely monitor their children's Internet usage.  Although the AG's office has arrested more than 220 Internet predators, criminals are online and using the Internet to prey on our children. Attorney General Cox encourages parents to visit www.michigan.gov/ag for tips on safe Internet usage for children.  Citizens can also report suspected Internet child predators by calling the Attorney General's Criminal Division at (313) 456-0180.

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