"For many parents, Halloween represents a time when our children fan out into neighborhoods that may not be familiar," said Cox. "Doing a timely check of the sex offender registry can help parents be informed about potential risks in the community and take appropriate measures to safeguard their children."

The sex offender registry allows a person to check for offenders several ways, including a search of your entire zip code. One of the newer features of the registry includes the ability to sign up for e-mail notification. The e-mail notification process allows for a user to register up to six different zip codes and receive automatic e-mail notice whenever a sex offender moves into any of those zip codes.

Parents without a computer or an Internet connection in their home can go to their local library to access the sex offender registry website from there.

The Sex Offender Registry is simple to use; below are step-by-step instructions:

• Go to http://www.mipsor.state.mi.us.
• After reading the disclaimer, click on the button at the bottom of the screen.
• Chose your preferred search, either by city, zip, or school and campus.
• After you decide your search options click Search.
• Review the results and remember: Be Alert, Be Aware, and Be Careful.

For more information, contact your local police station for additional help and tips to protect your children.

"Michigan's children are our greatest resource," continued Cox. "I am asking every Michigan parent to use the tools available to ensure their children's safety this Halloween."

In addition to tips on how to use the Michigan Sex Registry, Cox also offered parents general tips to protect their children.

• Wear costumes that are visible to motorists;
• Examine candy for tampering;
• Make sure children travel with friends, always with a parent or chaperone within eye sight.

The Attorney General's Criminal Division has arrested 147 Internet sexual predators. Attorney General Cox encourages parents to visit www.michigan.gov/ag for tips on safe Internet usage for children. Citizens can also report suspected Internet child predators via the Report Internet Abuses Against Children link or by calling the Attorney General's Criminal Division at (313) 456-0180.