Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office will offer free Halloween candy X-ray screening at the Washoe County Courthouse on the day after Halloween.

Court security staff will screen candy at the X-ray station located inside the Court Street entrance to the courthouse from 9:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2014.

The X-ray machine will detect metal objects only. Parents who feel candy has been tampered with should dispose of the candy immediately. No treat is worth the safety of a child.

What: Washoe County Providing Free Halloween Candy X-Ray Inspection

When: Saturday, November 1, 2014, 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Where: Court Street entrance of the Washoe County District Court Building, 75 Court Street, Reno

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
• 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
• Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations. Look both ways before crossing, walk on sidewalks, obey traffic signals and stop signs
• Always walk; never run across streets or lawns
• Trick or Treat at friendly homes. Warn children to stay away from houses that are not well lit
• Do not go onto properties that are marked "Keep Out," "No Trespassing" and/or "No Solicitors Allowed"
• Never allow a child to eat Halloween candy until an adult checks it. Dispose of anything that seems to have been tampered with, opened or unwrapped
• Instruct children to shout for help and make a scene if anyone tries to grab them or force them into involuntary situations
• Children should immediately report anything suspicious to their parents and/or law enforcement
• Consider alternatives to trick-or-treating such as community Halloween events or organize your own party at home
• Be sure to have a plan for what your child should do if you do become separated

For more safety tips and other information about services provided by the Sheriff's Office:

• Visit the WCSO on Facebook
• Install the free WCSO app from the appropriate app store for your device
• Follow the Sheriff's Office on Twitter at: @washoesheriff
• Sign up for the Sheriff's monthly Community Partnership Connection eNewsletter at WashoeSheriff.com.

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.

Attached audio files...

Download this audio file - (Halloween Candy Screening 2014 - 1 MB mp3)