2008 Letter Dated 10 1

Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Division of Parole and Probation 6776 REISTERSTOWN ROAD • SUITE 305 • BALTIMORE, MARYLAND  21215 (410) 585­3525 • FAX (410) 764­4293 • TOLL FREE (877) 227­8031 V/TTY (800) 735­2258 • www.dpscs.state.md.us STATE OF MARYLAND MARTIN O’MALLEY GOVERNOR ANTHONY G. BROWN LT.  GOVERNOR GARY D. MAYNARD SECRETARY PATRICK MCGEE INTERIM DIRECTOR

October 1, 2008 Dear Supervisees: Because Halloween is a holiday during which large numbers of children interact with strangers, the concern among parents and other community members about sexual offenders in their neighborhoods is naturally intensified during this time of the year. You may have already experienced the negative reaction of some of your neighbors to the knowledge that you are living down the street or around the corner from them. Some of them do not realize, as we do, that many of you are genuinely engaged in the difficult task of rebuilding your lives, and truly want the opportunity to find a stable home, a steady job, and some measure of peace and happiness. The Division of Parole and Probation believes that the Halloween season provides a rare opportunity for you to demonstrate to your neighbors that you are making a sincere effort to change the direction of your life. By making a commitment to refrain from participating in Halloween activities, you will enable the children and parents in your neighborhood to enjoy the holiday without undue anxiety. In addition, you will also protect yourself from misunderstandings and the allegations that may arise from them. The Division of Parole and Probation is therefore instructing you: • •

To remain in your home on Halloween from 6:00 pm until the next morning; To keep your outside lights off and to place a “No Candy” sign on the door;

• •

Not to answer your door to trick-or-treaters; Not to participate in any Halloween events sponsored by shopping malls or other community organizations.

Parole and probation agents will be conducting unannounced community visits during Halloween. Please be sure to discuss with your agent any plans to be at a location other than your home during this holiday. Your agent may also modify these instructions based on the time and manner in which this holiday is celebrated in your particular community. Your quiet but meaningful contribution to an enjoyable, uneventful Halloween will convey a positive message to the community that they are unlikely to get from any other source. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to discuss them with your agent. Sincerely,

Patrick McGee, Director Maryland Division of Parole and Probation