MARION COUNTY Fla. —  While candy and costumes are at the forefront of Halloween plans for Thursday night, law enforcement agencies in Marion County and in many other areas of the state are banning together to try to protect children and keep them away from sex offenders.

In a Facebook post, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said it would partner with the Ocala police department and the department of corrections to provide extra patrol at local events Thursday night and also check in on sexual predators and offenders across the county.

The post noted that officials would be looking into individuals on probation or parole, and that parents should use resources like law enforcement websites to be aware of who is in their community, too.

Sex offenders are not allowed to celebrate Halloween festivities, and they must follow specific guidelines.

Individuals registered as a sexual offender cannot have decorations outside of their homes or pass out candy. In addition, those individuals must also keep their lights turned off.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office said while those actions could indicate no one is home or the resident does not participate in Halloween activities, it also could mean the residence is home to a sex offender. 

Parents can utilize sites like the MarionCounty.com/sexoffenders website or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's sexual offender and predator system to learn if sexual predators or offenders are in the areas where their children may be trick-or-treating. Authorities emphasized that children should not approach any homes where lights are off.

Detectives will also be at local Halloween events to make sure that they are safe and that those individuals are not in attendance.