Halloween is behind us.
All – Halloween 2019 is behind us. Here are some stories that came out recently pointing out the irrational and completely false hysteria that surrounds Halloween and persons on the registry:
“Yet sex crimes do not spike on Halloween, and “stranger danger” is a largely mythical threat. Almost all sex crimes committed by strangers on Halloween are committed by first time offenders. In fact, registered sex offenders are rarely repeat offenders; the only offense with a lower recidivism rate is murder. And in 2008, Department of Justice research indicated that Megan’s Law has had no measurable effect on recidivism. Children are far more likely to be struck by a car on Halloween than be assaulted. In fact, children are ten times likelier to be struck by a car on Halloween than on any other day”
http://bostonreview.net/law-justice/christine-hume-halloween-and-stranger-danger
“Halloween is spooky for kids, maybe, but it’s downright terrifying for parents who take all the fearmongering to heart… This tactic is on display every year at Halloween, a day when the risk of sex crimes to children is no higher than it is any other day of the year, which is something you wouldn’t know if you listened to law enforcement talk about it.”
https://theappeal.org/in-leaked-audio-prosecutor-admits-locking-people-up-is-not-about-public-safety/
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I am wondering… Anyone have any idea what the outcome of these 2 arrests were? I just looked online and there does not see to be any additional information on the FDLE site. Just wondering.
Yes, Helloween is behind us, but in Jacksonville, ANY and ALL celebrations on ANY day, are verboten, even for religious purposes:
“(a)(1) It is unlawful for any Sexual Offender or Sexual Predator to participate in any practice or event, including, but not limited to, any event related to a nationally or locally recognized holiday or seasonal event, if such practice or event is primarily targeted toward non-familial children.
(a)(3)(iv) Not place or allow any display, including but not limited to displays for any nationally or locally recognized holiday or seasonal event or practice, to be visible from the exterior of any Sexual Offender’s or Sexual Predator’s residence, including a vehicle or vessel, or on any property which is leased, rented, owned or occupied by such person, if such display is primarily targeted to entice, attract, or lure a child onto any residence or property, or onto or nearer to any vehicle or vessel rented, owned or occupied by such person. Enforcement of this section shall not be limited to the actual calendar date of any given nationally or locally recognized holiday or seasonal event or practice.
(b)(4) Display is defined as any decoration including, but not be limited to, lighting, figurines, posters, artwork, crystals, bales of hay, scarecrows, etc. which is visible to the public in plain view and is primarily targeted toward children.
(5) Practices means to carry out or perform any particular activity or method that may celebrate or recognize a particular season, customs or beliefs. "
https://library.municode.com/fl/jacksonville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITXIXPUSA_CH685SEOFSEPRRE_S685.104PRACSEOFSEPREX
From what I read here, there is no restriction if one wants to decorate their home for Christmas. That is for the benefit of the resident and not the public, including children. I like a well maintained yard. What if a kid in the neighborhood is a “nice yard geek”? Does that mean I cannot maintain my yard in a well kept condition? This is just an example of how stupid some of these ordinances are. When I was a kid I took pride in maintaining the yard of our family home. I was impressed by other nice looking yards.
One of the biggest problems with the wording of this ordinance is LE’s interpretations of:
“if such practice or event is primarily targeted toward non-familial children”
“if such display is primarily targeted to entice, attract, or lure a child”
“is primarily targeted toward children”
As Andrea noted in this thread:
https://floridaactioncommittee.org/jacksonville-police-2-men-arrested-for-sexual-offender-violations-on-halloween/
The cops will automatically assume you are targeting kids since they made her take down the outside decorations and make her tree invisible from the outside.