Ouachita Parish law enforcement agencies provide Halloween safety tips

OUACHITA PARISH ( KTVE/KARD ) – As Halloween approaches, law enforcement agencies encourage residents to be vigilant during holiday festivities. The West Monroe Police Department, Monroe Police Department, and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office gave tips on remaining safe.

The three agencies highlighted the importance of trick or treating at earlier times, picking noticeable clothing when walking at night, and the best practices that parents should follow to identify candy that may contain other substances. KTVE/KARD spoke to Captain C.J. Beck with the West Monroe Police Department about when not to trick-or-treat.

Well we want people to respect the time to. To make sure that they’re not knocking on doors too late a night. To make sure that the lights on for the porch. That may be an indicator that people are participating in Halloween because not everybody does.

Captain C.J. Beck, West Monroe Police Department

It is also important to remember that during Halloween, children of all ages will be walking in the street and going door to door within local neighborhoods, looking for sweet treats. Drivers should be alert and cautious of families enjoying the holiday. Major Anthony Washington with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office spoke to KTVE/KARD about the importance of the color of clothing chosen and having a light source.

I would suggest that they wear bright clothing, reflective clothing. If they’re going to wear a mask make sure their eyeholes are open where they can see clearly through the eye holes. They can also get what’s called a glow stick. It glows different colors or carry a flashlight with them.

Major Anthony Washington, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office

As an age-old tradition of Halloween, children will collect candy and other sweet treats from houses within various neighborhoods. KTVE/KARD spoke with Sergeant Matt Schmitz with the Monroe Police Department about ways that parents can ensure that all candy is safe to consume.

Parents should always inspect all their children’s candy. So whatever they gather up for that night be sure a trusted adult or preferably their parents inspect each an every piece. Only candy that’s in the original wrapper should be consumed by the children.

Sergeant Matt Schmitz , Monroe Police Department

All three agencies also advised that if families or children see something suspicious during their time out trick-or-treating, to contact local law enforcement.

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