Georgia Sheriff Posts 'No Trick or Treat' Signs Outside Registered Sex Offenders' Homes

A Georgia sheriff is taking his mission of protecting children a step further by posting "no trick or treat" signs outside the homes of registered sex offenders. 

Sheriff Gary Long of Butts County shared a picture of the signs that were put up on Facebook, warning residents with children to avoid such homes. 

The decision has been controversial, with some commenting that this should be done year-round and others pointing out that people can be labeled a sex offender for reasons other than being a pedophile. 

For his part, Long insists he's just being careful.

"I'm not trying to humiliate 'em or anything like that," Long told CBS News. "Let's face reality: We have a greater chance of children getting run over by a car [on Halloween] than being a victim of sexual assault by a repeat offender.

"But at the end of the day," he continued, "if, in fact, we had a child that fell victim to a sexual assault, especially by a convicted sex offender, I don't think I could sleep at night."

He added that most of the sex offenders were understanding when deputies put up the signs, though others called them an "embarrassment."

"At the end of the day, I don't care if they do like it or if they don't like it. My job us to ensure the safety of the children and the community and that's what I'm going to do," Long said. 

The signs will be taken down on Thursday morning, Long added. 

RELATED STORIES