Close to 100 sex offenders live in unincorporated Cook County. The detectives are making sure all are following the law by keeping their information up to date.
"To ensure they do live at the residence, that nothing has changed in their registration as far as the info provided to us," Detective Scott Leftko, Cook County Sheriff's Department, said.
While a few on the list were not home, detectives had better luck at the home of Ramon Segura. The 69-year-old is on probation for aggravated criminal sexual abuse against a 12-year old. The only Halloween decoration on Segura's door is an orange sticker stating that trick or treating is not allowed at his house.
"It gives everybody a heads up this guy should not be opening the door. If he is, then definitely contact police," Leftko said.
The law states if a sex offender is on probation and parole, he or she cannot give out candy. However, other registered sex offenders can give out candy.
"There are really no restrictions on it. Maybe something that'll change in the future. But, as of now that's the laws we have," Leftko said.
The detectives' work doesn't end with house calls. Every Halloween, all sex offenders in unincorporated Cook County must come to the sheriff's department and reregister.
The majority of sex offenders must update their personal information once a year. The sheriff's department asks them to come in between 3 and 9 p.m. on Halloween. The idea is to get sex offenders off the street during prime trick-or-treating hours.
If sex offenders don't comply, these detectives will be the first to arrest them.
