BERLIN – Halloween weekend is almost here and Berlin is once again preparing for the annual festivities.
As always, the Berlin Police Department (BPD) will be on the streets during the trick-or-treating in an effort to continue the long tradition of safety associated with the event.
Berlin has been hosting a specific trick-or-treating period for more than two decades.
“I’ve been here 19 years,” said BPD Chief Arnold Downing, “and it’s been going on the whole time.”
Downing will be joined by almost every other BPD officer on Halloween night. Police will patrol Berlin streets during the event, which lasts from 5-7 p.m. In addition, Maryland State Troopers and members of the Sheriff’s Office will be on hand to provide extra security for trick-or-treaters.
The police will be doing everything possible to make Halloween safe, but Downing advises parents that the best way to ensure their kids have a good Halloween is to be involved.
“Parents need to supervise,” said Downing. “They need to get out of cars and walk to doors with children. They need to be present.”
One major safety tip Downing offered parents is an old one – check your kid’s candy. The BPD will be available to scan candy until 8 p.m. Halloween night. All parents need to do is stop by Town Hall.
Besides trick-or-treating, the Berlin area will be hosting several other holiday events.
The Berlin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center hosted a trick-or-treat walkthrough on Wednesday, Oct. 27 from 5-7 p.m. On Halloween night itself, there will be two additional events to serve as alternatives or supplements to trick-or-treating.
Worcester County Youth and Family Services will feature a “haunted hallway” at its Main St office from 5-7 p.m. The Son Rise Church will be hosting a “Harvest Fair”, which boasts food and games for children from 5-8 p.m.
When asked if the BPD would be present at the other events, Downing explained that most of their resources were already committed to trick-or-treating security.
“Because of trick-or-treating, all of our guys have to be on the street,” Downing said.
However, Downing did make it clear that the BPD did have some kind of involvement with, and endorsed, all of the holiday activities.
“We attend or support all events,” Downing said.