In light of recent criminal events in the city, many Baton Rouge residents are concerned about safety precautions.
Those concerns are especially heightened during Halloween night, when children walk door to door in area neighborhoods asking for candy.
“Normally, parents are afraid to take their children out into the neighborhoods,” said Deputy Stephen Callender of the Baton Rouge City Constable’s Office. “The environment all over town has become a lot worse in the last few years.”
Last year, the Constable’s Office started its Halloween Safe Night Out for children on the steps of the Baton Rouge Courthouse as a safe alternative to the neighborhood trick-or-treat.
The event, happening again Thursday night, will feature Celebration Station mascots and area organizations handing out candy.
“We are trying to create a safe atmosphere for children,” Callender said.
Neighborhoods such as the Garden District formed volunteer patrol units to keep a close watch on Halloween night activities.
Garden District resident Pam Rice is one of the people in charge of the volunteer patrol, called Operation Happy Halloween.
“Our neighborhood, because of its location, has always been more concerned about safety on Halloween,” Rice said. “This is a good way to make Halloween safer for everyone.”
Rice said those who volunteer usually patrol the block where they live and wear orange vests and carry flashlights and cell phones to locate and report any mischief.
Rice also said some off-duty police officers will participate in the event.
Baton Rouge Police Department Corp. Don Kelly said officers are encouraged to patrol neighborhoods more often Thursday night.
“I encourage people to take advantage of the organized events going on around town,” Kelly said. “These events are much safer and sometimes a more fun alternative.”
Kelly also encourages residents to report any suspicious activities to authorities.
The Halloween trick-or-treat time for the Baton Rouge area is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Annual Halloween Safe Night Out takes place at the Baton Rouge Courthouse during trick-or-treat hours. For more information, contact Deputy Callender at 389-3004.