Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

PR #: 1800110
Date Issued: Oct 25, 2018 - 2:32pm

Washoe District and Justice Court Buildings offer free candy screening for Halloween

CONTACT: Bob Harmon
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Office 775-785-6235
Cell 775-722-5517

No treat is worth the safety of a child!

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office will offer free Halloween candy X-ray screening at the Washoe County District Courthouse entrance on Court Street until 9:00 p.m. on Halloween night. The Washoe County District Courthouse and the Mills Lane Justice Center will both offer free candy screening during regular business hours on the Thursday and Friday following Halloween.

The X-ray machines will detect metal objects only. Parents who believe candy has been tampered with by other means should dispose of the candy immediately.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office wants everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Halloween. The Sheriff's Office urges parents to share safety information with their children before the trick-or-treating begins. Make sure children understand their role in detecting and preventing potentially dangerous situations.

Here are some Halloween safety tips from the "Staying Safe" page on WashoeSheriff.com:

  • Never allow a child to trick-or-treat alone.
  • Accompany children to the door of every house they approach.
  • Have a plan for what your child should do if you do become separated.
  • Don't allow children to enter a home or apartment without adult supervision.
  • Children should not approach strange vehicles.
  • Remain visible. Wear bright clothing or use reflective strips on costumes. Carry a glow stick or flashlight.
  • Follow all traffic and pedestrian regulations. Look both ways before crossing the street, walk on sidewalks, pay attention to traffic signals and stop signs.
  • Always walk, not run, across streets or lawns.
  • Trick or Treat at friendly homes. Keep children away from houses that are not well lit.
  • Don't go on properties marked "Keep Out," "No Trespassing" and/or "No Solicitors Allowed."
  • Adults should always check Halloween candy before a child eats it. Dispose of anything that seems to have been tampered with, opened or unwrapped.

Tell children it is okay to shout for help and make a scene if anyone tries to grab them or force them into involuntary situations.

Let children know they should immediately report anything suspicious to their parents and/or law enforcement.

Take advantage of alternatives to trick-or-treating such as community Halloween events or organize your own party at home.

The Mills Lane Justice Center is located at 1 S. Sierra Street and the Washoe County Second Judicial Court is located at 75 Court Street, both in downtown Reno.

1800110_KLtO.jpg

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

###