Halloween is a scary night for kids, and it can be terrifying for parents who are unprepared.

Officer Phil Sullivan has been with the Macon Police Department for 26 years and has been on every Halloween night patrol.

"I don't recall one incident where a child was hit by a car or harmed in any way," said Sullivan.

He wants it to stay that way. Sullivan says while kids may want to stop at every door possible for treats, he suggests kids not to stray too far from home.

"Preferably in their neighborhood, one or two streets not four or five streets over."

To limit car traffic, Sullivan recommends parents to walk with their kids rather than driving besides them.

"It's a safety issue, you don't want kids running back and forth across the street," said Sullivan. "There could be somebody driving other than the speed limit."

Sullivan says the best time for trick or treating is between 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and to only approach houses with their lights on. Houses with their lights off could be that of a registered sex offender.

"We require they come home after work. If they're not working, stay home from 5:00 p.m. until the following day." said James Bergman, Georgia Parole Officer. "Remain inside, keep their porch lights turned off. No participation in any Halloween activities, no decorations, no giving out candy."

Parole officers will make sure they're (sex offenders) are abiding by the rules and not violating terms of parole.

"Parole officers will be out in teams checking on all the sex offenders. They will go to their houses, make sure they're home where they are supposed to be," said Bergman. "Make sure they are abiding by all the restrictions that sex offenders have to go by. They'll conduct some random searches, drug screens. Just make sure they are in compliance."

Parent who want to avoid a sex offenders home can go on-line to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Sex Offender Registry and find out where sex offenders live in your neighborhood.

Police departments will have extra patrol Halloween night and will strictly enforce speed limit laws.

As always, parents should inspect all candy thoroughly before letting their kids have at it.