Stafford VA. The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office will have additional deputies patrolling the neighborhoods of Stafford County on Halloween evening, Thursday, October 31, 2019, to ensure that trick-or-treaters have a safe night.

In addition, the Sheriff’s Office will offer candy screening from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Stafford Courthouse located at 1300 Courthouse Road. Please note: The x-ray process can only detect the presence of pins, needles or other metallic objects.

The Sheriff’s Office will also be participating in a Halloween “Tweet Along.” Follow us on social media at #SCSOTweetsOnPatrol.

The Sheriff’s Office is recommending that trick-or-treaters follow these Halloween safety tips:

• Drug-laced edibles are legal in some states. Have an adult inspect the ingredient label of any off brand candy you are unfamiliar with.
• Have your name and address attached to your costume or wear an identification bracelet.
• Use flashlights and wear reflective or light colored clothing.
• Stay in a group while trick-or-treating and only visit homes with porch lights on.
• Never enter the home of a stranger or accept rides from a stranger.
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult.
• Use crosswalks and sidewalks, when available, and obey all traffic signals.

“The safety of the community is our number one priority,” said Sheriff David P. Decatur. “We will have a visible presence throughout the county on Halloween to ensure trick-or-treaters enjoy a safe and fun-filled evening. The men and women of the Stafford Sheriff’s Office will be working around the clock to keep the community safe.”