Clayton News Daily

By Linda Looney-Bond

lbond@news-daily.com

Clayton County Police and Sheriff's Office personnel will be out in force Saturday, because of anticipated Halloween celebrations.

"There will be extra patrols in neighborhoods, and on our streets to ensure everyone's safety," said Clayton County Police Chief Jeff Turner, in a written statement Friday.

Officer Otis Willis, III, a Clayton County Police spokesman, added that: "In the past, children have been injured while trick or treating, so the Clayton County Police Department would like to provide some tips on staying safe during Halloween."

He listed the following tips for parents and children:

* Children should travel in groups.

* Smaller children should be accompanied by an adult.

* Trick or treaters should start early (once it gets dark, it's harder to see children darting across streets).

* Trick or treaters should carry a flashlight or some type of illumination device so they can be seen.

* Wear light colored clothing, and avoid masks that would obscure your view.

* Older children should make sure their parent(s) are aware of where they plan to trick or treat.

* Parent(s) or guardian(s) should inspect a child's candy prior to the child consuming it,

In addition, the Clayton County Sheriff's Office will be out on the roadways with high visibility Saturday, from 4:30 p.m, to midnight, throughout the county, according to Sgt. Sonja Sanchez, the office's spokesperson.

"A total of 88 sheriff's deputies will patrol various neighborhoods, and establish safety road checks, to ensure the safety of our children and citizens during the Halloween weekend celebration," Sanchez said.

Also, between the hours of 6 and 9 p.m., the Community Relations Unit of the Sheriff's Office will pass out candy to children, in the new Olde Town Morrow Complex, located at Southlake Mall, Sanchez said.