Meck Co Sheriff’s Office beefs up sex offender check ahead of Halloween

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Verifying sex offender addresses is something the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s office does throughout the year, but they really ramp up in-person verifications around Halloween.

“We have a unit that is committed to doing this on a daily basis, but around this time Halloween each year, we add more resources and take more time to verify these registered sex offenders. Because we want to give parents a piece of mind tonight before they take their kids out trick or treating,” said Mecklenburg County Sheriff Irwin Carmichael.

On Wednesday, Deputy Eric Bynum was finishing up some of the last offender checks on his list. WBTV rode along with Deputy Bynum as he visited one home where the offender had not been home the last six checks, whether at work or out of the house.

Thursday afternoon, that offender was there. Everything checked out, and Bynum was on our way until next time. Bynum’s advice to parents heading out to trick-or-treat tonight is to plan ahead and keep kids close by.

Deputies aren’t the only ones making that suggestion. The Charlotte Fire Department says Halloween is one of their busiest nights, and sadly most dangerous for kids.

“Tonight is the night that twice as many kids are injured or killed than any other night of the year. 70% of those injuries occur at cross walks or intersections, so we can’t emphasize enough how much children need to be observed, watched,” said Amy Rea with Charlotte Fire.

Law enforcements advice is too keep eyes on your children, especially at crosswalks and crossing streets. Those with long costumes are advised to stay away from open flames, and try and wear bright colors, glow sticks or reflective components when out in the neighborhood.

To download the sheriff’s office mobile sex offender app, visit their website here: https://www.nsopw.gov/en-US/Home/Mobile?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

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