10/19/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INDIANA SHERIFFS’ ASSOCIATION URGES HALLOWEEN SAFETY AWARENESS; HIGHLIGHTS COUNTY-LEVEL S*X OFFENDER REGISTRY NOTIFICATIONS
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — As families across the Hoosier State prepare for Halloween festivities, the Indiana Sheriffs' Association (ISA) is launching a statewide public safety campaign emphasizing the importance of heightened safety awareness. To help families plan their trick-or-treating routes confidently, the association is reminding citizens of the critical resources available directly through their local county sheriff's office, specifically the State of Indiana's S*x and Violent Offender Registry (SVOR), managed in partnership with technology provider OffenderWatch.
The county-level registries allow residents to verify their neighborhoods and map out safe trick-or-treating paths. Through this portal, citizens can review localized mapping data and register to receive automatic electronic notifications whenever a registered offender moves within a specified radius of their home, school, or daycare.
"As our communities prepare for a fun and festive Halloween, public safety must remain our absolute top priority," said 2026 ISA President Sheriff Jeff Balon of Porter County. "Trick-or-treat night brings an influx of pedestrian traffic to our neighborhoods, and it's essential that parents take a proactive approach to safety. By planning routes in advance and utilizing the verified tools provided by your local sheriff's office, we can work together to ensure that our children have a safe, memorable, and secure holiday."
The State of Indiana relies on OffenderWatch, a leading s*x offender management and community notification network, to ensure county data remains accurate, interconnected, and highly accessible to the public. Each of Indiana's 92 county sheriffs maintains a dedicated portal integrated with this network, giving families immediate visibility into their immediate surroundings.
"Keeping Hoosier families safe requires a strong partnership between law enforcement and the communities we serve," stated ISA Executive Director Stephen P. Luce. "We want to make sure every citizen knows that they can easily go online and sign up for automated s*x offender registry notifications directly through their county sheriff's website. Taking just a few moments to register for these alerts provides real-time awareness that extends far beyond Halloween night, empowering parents with the data they need to protect their households year-round."
To maximize safety this Halloween season, the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association recommends families follow a comprehensive safety protocol:
Halloween Community Safety Standards
Safety Category
Recommended Action
Implementation Tip
Route Planning
Map neighborhoods in advance using the local county sheriff's registry portal.
Avoid houses or areas that do not align with your pre-planned, vetted safety path.
Registry Awareness
Sign up for automated SVOR alerts online via your local sheriff's website.
Set up radius alerts (e.g., 1-mile) around your home and trick-or-treating zones.
Visibility
Ensure costumes are equipped with reflective tape or glow sticks.
Carry a high-powered flashlight and remain on well-lit sidewalks and crosswalks.
Group Dynamics
Trick-or-treat in groups accompanied by a trusted adult.
Establish a central meeting spot in case anyone becomes separated from the group.
Treat Inspection
Examine all collected candy in a well-lit room before consumption.
Discard any homemade treats from unknown sources or candy with torn packaging.
Hoosier residents looking to check their neighborhood registry or subscribe to automated email notifications should visit the Indiana Sheriffs' Association Official Directory to find the link to their specific county sheriff's website.
About the Indiana Sheriffs' Association
The Indiana Sheriffs' Association is a non-profit organization comprised of the 92 constitutional county sheriffs, their deputies, correctional staff, and support personnel. Established in 1930 and incorporated in 1977, the ISA is dedicated to promoting public welfare, fostering cooperation among law enforcement agencies, and providing critical resources, training, and educational programs—such as the ISA Youth Leadership Camp and Scholarship Program—to improve public safety delivery across the State of Indiana.
Indiana Sheriffs’ Association Contact
Sheriff Stephen P. Luce ( Ret. )
Executive Director
Indiana Sheriffs’ Association
7124 E. County Road 150 S. Suite B
Avon, IN 46123-2001
[email protected]
Office -317-356-3633
www.indianasheriffs.org
