Forrest County Sheriff: Check State Registry Before Halloween
Major Jamie Humphrey advises parents in Mississippi to verify local addresses, noting that state law permits registered sex offenders to distribute candy.
By Aiko Sato ·
The Forrest County Sheriff’s Office is advising residents to consult the Mississippi Sex Offender Registry before finalizing their trick-or-treating routes. Major Jamie Humphrey stated that many guardians do not consider this database when planning their evening activities.
Humphrey noted that registered sex offenders are not prohibited from participating in Halloween traditions under current Mississippi law. He contrasted this with Florida, where regulations restrict offenders from displaying decorations. "A registered sex offender in the state of Florida can’t put up Halloween decorations. And that’s something maybe the state of Mississippi needs to look at," Humphrey said. He confirmed that Mississippi law does not stop offenders from putting up decorations or handing out treats.
The office recommends that parents search the online registry through the Department of Public Safety using specific addresses or ZIP codes. Humphrey advised that if a registered offender’s home appears on a planned route, the safest course of action is to skip that stop. "The best thing to do is just avoid the house, save any guesswork and just stay away from it. That’s the best advice I could give a parent," he said.
Beyond checking the registry, the sheriff’s office outlined several safety protocols for families. These include direct supervision of children under the age of 12 and inspecting all collected candy. Humphrey also emphasized street safety, urging parents to teach children to make eye contact with drivers when crossing roads. "From the time me and you were in school, we were taught, look both ways before crossing the street," Humphrey said. "Well, now if you teach a kid to look both ways and you notice a car, make eye contact with it. Teach your kids to make eye contact with the driver. That way, that driver knows that that child’s there."
The registry remains the primary tool for residents to identify local offenders. The online platform allows for quick searches by location. Parents are encouraged to use this resource during their pre-Halloween planning phase.
Humphrey’s guidance was issued through the Forrest County Sheriff’s Office. The department continues to monitor local safety measures. Parents can access the registry at any time via the Department of Public Safety website.
The advice comes ahead of the holiday. The sheriff’s office aims to provide clear, actionable steps for families. The registry data is available to the public. Parents are advised to review the information before heading out.
