Officials contacting sex offenders this week

Tier 2 and 3 sex offenders in Northern Nevada have been forewarned against participating in any Halloween activities.

Rich Tiran, public information officer with the Parole and Probation division of the Nevada Department of Public Safety, said officers have advised offenders of the following "Halloween Rules."

• Offenders will not be permitted to hand out candy to children engaged in trick or treating. Offenders will not be allowed to be present in any residence that is participating in handing out candy to children engaged in trick or treat activities.

• Offenders will not be permitted to attend any Halloween festivities where children will be present including parties, barbecues or any other type of special event being held to celebrate the holiday.

• Offenders, who have permission to have their own children in their presence from either the court, parole board or via a chaperone agreement, will not be permitted to take their own children to any type of Halloween event. The offender will not be permitted to participate in trick or treat activities with their child.

• Offenders are prohibited from answering the door for children engaged in trick or treating.

Tiran said sex offenders who violate the special restrictions will be subject to sanctions up to and including arrest.

"Offenders are encouraged to remain home, unless working, during the Halloween holiday and avoid any situation that may be construed as a violation of their conditions," said Tiran.

Also on Friday in Carson City - when Halloween is being celebrated - Parole and Probation officers and Carson City deputies will be participating in Operation Scarecrow, a program in which sex offenders will be contacted during trick or treat hours to make certain they are complying with the rules, said Tiran.

Operation Scarecrow will be conducted on Saturday in Lyon, Douglas, Pahrump, Tonopah, Ely, Elko, Winnemucca, Fallon and south Washoe counties.