Tucson

Sheriff offers haven for Halloween fun
Tucson Citizen - October 2005

Can Halloween be both safe and fun? Certainly, says the Pima County Sheriff's Department, which will host an event that will satisfy any parent's or child's requirements for the spooky evening. "It's a fun and safe alternative to kids trick-or-treating," said Deputy Dawn Barkman. "And a good way to make sure kids enjoy Halloween."

The 13th annual DARE Halloween event takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. on Halloween night at Tucson Electric Park, 2500 E. Ajo Way. DARE stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education.

The free event includes a haunted house, pizza, soda, games, costume contest, raffle prizes, puppet show and, of course, candy. "There's candy there, so it's not like they won't get candy," Barkman said. "Adults will enjoy it just as much as kids," she said. "I think it's reassuring for the parents because they know their kids are going to be safe there."

HALLOWEEN TIPS

PARENTS . . Sponsor a party or attend a community event. . Make sure children's costumes allow for freedom of movement. . Use face paint instead of masks. . Costumes should be light in color or have reflective strips on them. . Send kids with a flashlight if trick-or-treating after dark. .   Make sure children are with a group or with parents. . Insist children stay on agreed-upon routes or neighborhoods. . Have the children eat dinner before the adventure to reduce candy consumption. . Check all treats before they are eaten. . If any suspicious treats are found, call 911. .

TREATERS . . Keep outside and front-room lights on to invite trick-or-treaters. . Display Halloween decorations. . Give store-wrapped candy or non-edible treats to reduce suspicion. .

TRICK-OR-TREATERS . . Stay on agreed-upon routes. . Don't go trick-or-treating alone. . Carry a flashlight. . Do not go inside strangers' homes. . Go only to houses with lights on or Halloween decorations. . Allow your parents to inspect treats. . If you feel scared, leave that area and tell a parent or guardian what happened. . Remember that some people cannot afford to buy candy, so treat them with a smile and not a trick. .

Sources: Pima County Sheriff's Department, National Crime Prevention Council

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