Halloween means plenty of children trick-or-treating and out gathering goodies. This year, one Sheriff wanted to make sure that tradition was extra safe. Saturday, when children in Whiteside County went door-to-door for candy, dozens of registered sex offenders were together under one roof.
There was a mandatory meeting at the Sheriff's Department from 4:30 to 7 p.m., the exact time of Morrison's trick-or-treating hours. Sheriff Kelly Wilhelmi required all registered sex offenders on probation or court supervision in the county to be there.
"We're going over rules and regulations and any changes in laws concerning sex offender registration," said Whiteside County Sheriff Kelly Wilhelmi.
He says this is a completely new idea for counties in the region and many residents approve.
"I think it's a wonderful idea. I hope they keep it up. Keep those kids protected," said Morrison resident, Renee Temple.
There are 107 registered sex offenders in Whiteside County. For the 30 under supervision, the gathering counts as a monthly probation meeting. In the hours before the meeting Sheriff Wilhelmi was surprised that more were interested.
"We've got people coming in and calling today that are registered sex offenders that are not on probation, that are not required to be here, but want to come to it," added Wilhelmi.
A half-dozen or more called volunteering to be there. Ultimately, allowing Sheriff's deputies more time to focus on the safety of children trick-or-treating, including the young son of Morrison resident Kevin Medenblik.
"I don't want to have to worry about him going to the wrong door, wrong house, and have something happen to him. So it's a good thing," said Medenblik.
Parents say this is a proactive idea and hope other areas will catch on.
"This is the first I guess I've heard about it happening in Whiteside County and maybe it will be successful," added Medenblik.
"Obviously we've kind of struck a nerve here because, like I say, the other offices and agencies are looking into it too," said Sheriff Wilhelmi.
The Sheriff says he hopes the meeting will not generate a false sense of security, instead, that it will make parents more aware of the dangers on Halloween night.
"There's still 77 registered sex offenders that are out there and can hand out Halloween candy and parents have to be vigilant in their approach with this. Going with their kids and just being aware of where they're going too," said Wilhelmi.
All but two sex offenders on probation were at the meeting. Now deputies will check on them and they could face a parole violation.
Bringing the sex offenders together was also cost efficient for the county. The Sheriff says he has three deputies on the streets at any time, and this way they do not have to be tied up checking on offenders. The Sheriff and other authorities donated their time to oversee the meeting.
