For those who are forced to have no Halloween plans, here’s an event you are specifically invited to attend.
For the second year, the National Association for Rational Sex Offense Laws (NARSOL) will be conducting a marathon call. The information follows:
Halloween Marathon
October 31st, 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. EDT
Please join NARSOL for our second annual Halloween marathon/”Cop-watch” hot line session, beginning at 5 p.m. eastern time on October 31st. We will be live for five continuous hours dealing with various aspects of Halloween-related restrictions, International Megan’s Law, and the case of Gundy v United States. Attorneys King Alexander and Paul Dubbeling will be with us for much of the call, and we will open the phone lines immediately to hear horror stories about law enforcement’s suppression of Halloween activities.
Master schedule includes five-minute breaks at the top of each hour:
5:00 until 5:55 will be open lines to hear directly from our listeners about Halloween hysteria. Attorney Paul Dubbeling and Guy Hamilton Smith will be our guests.
6:00 until 6:55 will be open lines with Guy Hamilton Smith as our primary guest. We encourage reports of any Halloween restrictions in your jurisdiction.
7:00 until 7:55 will discussing International Megan’s law. We will address passport confiscations and travel advisories. Paul Rigney will be our guest.
8:00 until 8:55 will be open lines for questions and breaking news from the listening audience. Attorney King Alexander will be our guest.
9:00 until 9:55 will focus on blanket Internet restrictions. Attorney King Alexander will provide analysis of an important decision recently handed down from the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
We reiterate that we do not expect many will sit on the call for the entire 5 hours. It will be very similar to a radio show or telethon where you tune in for whatever amount of time you can spare and perhaps rejoin the call if something happens that you want to report to us.
Prize Contest
We plan to award some prizes at random times during the call. If you would like to enter the drawing, we will provide a phone number to those that sign which will facilitate entry. Once we announce that number, we will confirm that you have been entered and you will receive a contestant number. At various points during the call, we will draw numbers and you must be on the call to win. Prizes are: (1) a $100.00 gift card of your choice; or (2) Registration to NARSOL’s 2019 Conference.
Sign Up Instructions
Although it is not mandatory, we ask sign up new link so that we have an idea how many will be attending the call. The phone number is 641.715.3660, followed by 957605#. You may call in directly with a telephone or, if you have a speaker and microphone or a headset with a mic, you may access the call through your computer by going here and following the on-screen directions for inputting the number and the code.
Live Stream Option
We also are going to Live Stream the call on You Tube. There won’t be any video, just an audio stream, so you can try this if you’d rather not call in. You can access it through your computer or use your Roku or ChromeCast and have the call played over your TV. https://www.youtube.com/c/NARSOL/live
Disclaimer
Keep in mind, responses provided on the program are merely intended to offer guidance and should not be construed as legal advice. We cannot cover the specifics of any individual’s situation sufficiently to know what the most prudent course of action is, so NARSOL advises all participants to consult with an attorney in their jurisdiction to determine the best course of action.
I want to share something that happened today with all of you regarding Halloween. My federal probation officer in the middle district of Florida stopped by for his monthly visit and search. He told me that nobody from the probation office would stop by on Halloween which is unusual. For the past six years they have come by like clockwork on Halloween to “ensure my safety” and also ensure that I’m not passing out candy or otherwise violating. He wouldn’t say why they changed their policy. Just fyi to yall. I’ll post an update if anything changes or I do get a visit from probation or other law enforcement.
I have to tell you, after receiving the text from my child saying how unfair it is, I called my supervising officer (not probation as I am off paper but the so unit officer who does my quarterly residence check). He told me that I am not allowed to participate in Halloween however, ‘that being said…’ told me the following:
1-I CAN trick or treat with my child or grandchild as long as it’s to assure the safety of that child.
2-anyone else in my family/household CAN hand out candy. (However if I have an ignorant nosy neighbor that would report to the police that we are handing out candy, he said likely a 22-23 year old deputy would come out and advise that we are doing the wrong thing, I’ll get a citation, and it will essentially be reported back to him, the so unit officer, who will dismiss it based on the true rules.
3-I can do whatever I want inside my home with my family to celebrate, even dress up, but if that same young officer sees me dressed up, he’ll be even more questioning. So it’s my descretion but likely my best interest to keep that limited.
4-the idea is to punish the offender, not the family. Therefore, business as usual, as much as possible.
He is a really great officer, I’ve had nothing but positive with him. Understanding. I am in west central Florida and pleasantly surprised by the conversation. Although I know street cops don’t get the rules, the so unit seems to have things pretty well defined, from my experience so far.
Tth – in which county are you?
Pasco :/
Wow. I find that exceptionally strange since Pasco is Lunsford country.
Take heed to the immortal words of Admiral Ackbar, “it’s a trap!”
I am also in West Pasco County and can attest that the detectives who work in the registry department are very integral. On several occasions I have been told by them that they want to see any of the registered citizens they oversee succeed. They have ZERO desire to look for reasons to reincarcerate us.
Tth, as I suspected, Pasco has a slew of restrictions for registered citizens:
https://library.municode.com/fl/pasco_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTICOOR_CH66OFMIPR_ARTIIOFINPUSA_DIV4SEPRSEOF
Specifically on Helloween (not as onerous as Duval’s, but similar):
Sec. 66-70. – Prohibitions and requirements for sexual offenders and sexual predators on Halloween.
(a) On October 31 of each year or any other day upon which Halloween is celebrated, a sexual offender or sexual predator:
(1) Is prohibited from giving or seeking to give treats to children;
(2) Shall avoid all Halloween related contact with children;
(3) (Except for lighting otherwise provided on a year-round-basis by or to a sexual offender or sexual predator for the purpose of security or walkway or hallway illumination) shall leave all outside residential lighting off during the evening hours after 5:00 p.m., and
(4) Shall not exhibit exterior Halloween-type decorations at his or her residence.
(b) Halloween events or practices in which the sexual offender or sexual predator is the parent, grandparent, or guardian of the child or children involved, and where no non-familial children are present, are exempt from this section.
(Ord. No. 15-09, § 3(66-64), 4-21-15; Ord. No. 16-16, § 3, 8-9-16)
Sec. 66-70.1. – Enforcement.
Sections 66-67 through 66-70 of this division may be enforced only as follows:
(a) Issuance of a county court citation pursuant to section 1-11 of the Pasco County Code. The county attorney’s office shall not request incarceration as a possible penalty for a violation of these provisions, but may seek imposition of a civil fine for violations; (b) Suit for injunction to enforce these provisions through county civil or circuit civil court proceedings.
(Ord. No. 16-16, § 3(66-71), 8-9-16)
Editor’s note— Ord. No. 16-16, adopted Aug. 9, 2016, enacted new provisions to be designated as § 66-71. Inasmuch as there already exists a § 66-71, the new provisions have been redesignated as § 66-70.1.
Exactly as the officer stated. Like I said, I’ve had nothing but positive from this Detective and I think he took the statutes and clearly explained everything from what I’m able to participate in, why, the risks, and the fact that a citation would be given. I hate living in Pasco but I blame the arrogant commissioners and politicians that think they have never made mistakes or are above us.
If one day Wicca religious decorations are mistaken for “Halloween” decorations some day this entire law may be found unconstitutional. This restriction against “Halloween” decorations sets up a powerful precedent by government to dictate against “Christian” symbols being displayed at Christmas. Based on this law only “Halloween” decorations are prohibited. Next year I recommend sex offenders decorate their homes with Christmas decorations by featuring characters from “A Nightmare Before Christmas”. One would consider if restricting one person’s right to decorate their lawn is a violation of free speech, protected by the US Constitution.
@Roger, well in Duval, the ordinance specifically states that “beliefs” (religious events) are not exempt:
“Any person designated a Sexual Offender or Sexual Predator shall 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.”
Under definitions “practice” is defined as:
“means to carry out or perform any particular activity or method that may celebrate or recognize a particular season, customs or beliefs.”
This restricts religious freedom since we cannot display a manger scene or anything that may be construed (by politicians/law enforcement) “to entice, attract, or lure a child.”
Additionally, the language of the ordinance is contradictory in that it states:
“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.”
So let’s say that an event is not “primarily targeted toward non-familial children,” but one happens to be present. Violation? The further contradiction comes under exemptions where the ordinance also states:
“The Sexual Offender or Sexual Predator may attend if such person is the parent or guardian of the child or children involved and only those familial children are present.”
So even if the event is not “primarily targeted toward non-familial children,” the registrant cannot attend if just one “non-familial child” is present? Would the exemption even apply if the event is not “primarily targeted toward non-familial children?”
Very confusing and open to multiple interpretations by LEOs and courts.
First, the display of religious symbols is protected by the US Constitution. If one were to put up a nativity scene in front of their house, it is protected. The nativity scene must NOT include a snow man or “Santa” because the US Supreme Court ruled that if a Christmas display in front of a municipal building also includes reindeer, “Santa” or a snowman, then, even if a nativity scene is present, it is a general holiday display and is no longer religious and safe to place in front of public buildings. So a nativity scene IS safe for municipalities to display, as long as other holiday symbols are also present, making the entire scene, not religious. Therefore the nativity scene ALONE is considered by the Supreme Court AS religious so therefore, it must be protected!
Now a sex offender can own rental property and it appears that he would have to insure his renters do not place decorations in front of the property. Since ownership of the property limits the decorations that can be present, a sex offender could establish and LLC to protect himself. Since the property would then be owned by the LLC by the renters of the property can place as many decorations in front of the house as they want to.
I told y’all I would inform you about whether and LE stopped by my place on Halloween night since my PO said nobody from his office would. I was sceptical. But, I am happy to inform you all that he was not lying as there was no visit from his office or any LE. maybe six years on probation without any violations shows I’m no threat on Halloween or any other day.
Great to hear. I’m glad things went well. Sane for me. No visit at all. No issues. Just a great night. Again, the politicians are the true issue. Officers just enforce what they’re told to, often without understanding of the statutes because politicians write them so ambiguously. I think that do crap like that on purpose to try to trap us. But the so unit knows our rights. Some of these other counties and states, and how they treat us, they should be ashamed. They represent the constitution? Again I say, arrogant assholes. Worthless in many ways.
Thanks for the update. I woke up wondering.
I just received a text from my daughter asking to trick or treat with me then she and her friend wanted to sit in our driveway and hand out candy. Heartbreaking is right! For her and I both. And her friend.
“That’s so stupid. That’s not fair. You’re not even on probation anymore either. Why does it matter?”
If youre off paper then is there a problem?
Video surveillance is one of the best tools a registered citizen can utilize to protect themselves from all forms of conflict. Having a 24/7 system with multiple cameras insures what you say about your whereabouts is true and recorded on video. It also records anyone trespassing on your property. Once installed the local police will make note of it and in most cases ease up on residency restriction visits to your home. Posting signs is also a good deterrent to vandalism, theft, harassment etc. Being concerned about Halloween is a waste of time from my view point. First, there’s no requirement to be at home on that night. Second, unless you’re on probation, you don’t have to tell anyone where you are within the ordinances of your county, unless you’ve decided to leave the state. Fact is, it’s probably better if you’re not home with lights on inside your home. What kind of world do we live in where a person must sit in their home with the lights off to give the impression no one is home? That’s ludicrous. Go out, have fun, be with friends or family. Stop worrying about the mass hysteria of the vote mongering politicians telling the voting public that you are a monster and need to be observed like a wild animal. Or invite friends over for your own party. (witnesses) Obviously people that know about your status and likelihood of police visits. Friends that will look out for your best interest and stand up for you. I realize that’s a little overboard and will most likely solicit a police visit. Laying low is the norm for registered citizens, so making a splash in the sea of mass hysteria isn’t what most like to do. I’m just sayn. Halloween isn’t a big deal, at least in my eyes it isn’t. I couldn’t care less what morbid sense of righteousness is forced upon registered citizens with regard to “we must protect the children” coming out of the mouths of politicians. They can all kiss my rosy red for all I care. I know real danger when I see it. The real danger is false information and exaggeration of the facts which lead to just another ordinance or rule. If I see anyone harming a child or an adult for that matter, I call 911, period. It’s actually dangerous for a registered citizen to get involved with intervention.
Allegories, well said. Thanks
I hope to use the sex offender registry next year to recruit members of the sex offender registry with non-contact offenses to help volunteer to hold “slow down for children” signs in busy trick-or-treat neighborhoods. Since the police are so busy insuring registry people are not in their homes handing out candy (to my knowledge never an actual problem on Halloween) they are not available to warn drivers to drive slow (an actual problem on Halloween). Perhaps someday the roles will be back to normal but people on the registry can use this opportunity to keep children safe while police officers are busy knocking on doors on the day most children are at risk of being hit by a vehicle.
I LOVE this idea.
It’s good that your having the call for informational purposes and support. I would like to emphasize that if your off of Probation and completed everything regarding your case, in Broward County there are no Restrictions and many counties follow suit with that as well. Of course you must also check the city you live in to see if they have a specific Halloween ordinance. What I think we all should avoid is a mass hysteria about this, while important, there are so many other issues that should over shadow this, including IML. So, if you can enjoy Halloween!