BLACKFOOT - Bingham County deputies will be out in full force this Halloween to help keep children safe.

As an added safety measure, Sheriff Dave Johnson said Operation Black Out will be conducted today as well.

During a Thursday press conference, Johnson said 71 registered sex offenders in Bingham County were put on notice to keep their lights out and to not open the door to children.

Bingham County Probation and Parole will be checking in on offenders - if their lights are on, the officers will ask them to turn them off; if they're caught interacting with a child, they could be arrested.

"We want to make it as safe as possible for kids in the county," Johnson said.

This is the first time the Operation Black Out has been conducted in Bingham County. The Blackfoot police were also invited to take part in the safety program.

Beginning at 5 p.m. the county's 15 deputies will begin patrols concentrating on the county's most heavily populated areas.

Although Johnson said there have been no major incidents on Halloween in the past, among adult celebrators, alcohol-related offenses increase.

"There are more alcohol related offenses because there are more parties," he said. Johnson said parents can see if a registered sex offender lives in their neighborhood by logging onto the Idaho State Police Web site at www.isp.idaho.gov.

By Debbie Bryce

dbryce@journalnet.com