MORRISON – Whiteside County sex offenders who are on probation will be required to attend a meeting from 4:30 to 7 tonight – during countywide trick-or-treating hours, Sheriff Kelly Wilhelmi said.

Holding the meeting at the sheriff’s department on Halloween takes away any opportunity for offenders to violate the terms of their probation, and helps alleviate the concerns of parents, Wilhelmi has said.

State law prohibits any sex offender who is on probation, parole or conditional discharge from participating in holiday events, such as handing out candy. Because all criminal defendants must meet with a probation officer at least once a month, tonight’s meeting will count as their October meeting.