RON FREITAS
District Attorney
Office of the District Attorney
Protecting our community for 175 Years
Protecting our community for 175 Years
Ronald J. Freitas is the 42nd District Attorney to lead San Joaquin County’s chief law enforcement agency. This administration maintains a zero-tolerance approach to prosecuting criminals, working with local, state, and federal partners to create a safe and secure San Joaquin County for everyone.
"The mission of the District Attorney's Office is to bring justice and closure to victims of crime."
“True public safety requires a collaboration
between law enforcement and the community.” - Betsy Hodges
Halloween is one of the most anticipated nights of the year in San Joaquin County. A time when our streets come alive with superheroes, ghosts, and giggling children in search of candy. But as District Attorney Ron Freitas reminds us, “a little
preparation and awareness go a long way toward making sure the night stays fun, not frightening.”
Whether you’re taking kids trick-or-treating, driving home from a Halloween party, or just handing out candy on the porch, safety should be part of your costume this year.
Before the candy hunt begins, map out a safe route
through familiar neighborhoods. Choose well-lit streets and make sure someone in the group carries a flashlight or glow stick for visibility. Small children should always be accompanied by an adult, and older kids should travel in groups with a clear
curfew and check-in plan.
Remind trick-or-treaters to stay on sidewalks whenever possible and never dart between parked cars. When crossing streets, make eye contact with drivers and use crosswalks. Once home, check all candy for torn wrappers or anything suspicious. Be extra aware of the possibility that Fentanyl often looks like candy to a child (see photo at right). When in doubt, throw it out. (Click here for more information on the District Attorney's Fentanyl awareness program)
A great costume doesn’t have to come at the cost of safety. Opt for light-colored fabrics or add reflective tape so children are visible after dark. Avoid masks that block vision; non-toxic face paint or makeup is a safer and more comfortable
option. Make sure costumes fit properly. Too long, and they can easily cause trips or falls. And while props like swords and scythes look cool, keep them soft and flexible to prevent injuries during play.
Halloween night can be unpredictable. Excited kids might forget the rules of the road, so motorists need to be extra alert. Slow down in residential areas, especially between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., when most trick-or-treating happens. Put away distractions. No texting, no social media, and absolutely no “just checking one thing” while driving.
If you’re a homeowner, help make your property safe for little visitors by clearing walkways, securing pets, and keeping your porch well-lit.
For Adults: Celebrate ResponsiblyHalloween isn’t just for kids. Many adults enjoy parties or events around the county. If alcohol is part of your evening, make transportation plans before you start celebrating. Use a designated driver, call a rideshare, or stay overnight with friends. The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office reminds everyone: Don’t drink and drive. The consequences, both legal and personal, can last far longer than a hangover.
From law enforcement and first responders to neighborhood watch volunteers and parents, keeping Halloween safe takes teamwork. District Attorney Ron Freitas encourages everyone to “look out for one another and make safety part of our community tradition.”
So this Halloween, keep the scares spooky but safe. Enjoy the costumes, the candy, and the camaraderie, and make sure everyone gets home with nothing more than a sugar rush.
SOURCE: Federal Trade Commission
You’re online and get a message or pop-up alerting you to a problem with your computer. The message might even say or suggest it’s from Microsoft, Apple, or Geek Squad. Should you click immediately to see what it’s about? No, and here’s why.
That urgent pop-up message saying there’s something wrong with your computer could be a way to get you into a tech support trap. Scammers impersonate well-known companies to get you to trust them and call. What happens next? If you click on the link or call a phone number in a pop-up warning, they might say your device is infected (which is a lie). Then they’ll try to sell you a “solution” (which is a scam) and ask you to pay for a bogus tech support service.
Here’s one
way to be sure you spot a scam: Security pop-up warnings from real tech companies will never ask you to call a phone number. If you’re worried about missing a real security threat, slow down instead of clicking or calling. To find out whether
there’s a problem with your computer, first update your computer’s security software and
run a scan. If you need help fixing a problem, go to a company you know and trust. Some stores that sell computer equipment also offer technical support in person. And many companies offer tech support online, but be sure to get in touch
with them using the contact information listed on their official company website.
Now that you’ve got this, Pass It On! Talking about scams is one of the best tools we have to fight against scams. Share what you know to help others spot and avoid tech support scams. And if you see a pop-up scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
A Family Justice Center is a collaborative model of service delivery that brings together a range of resources and support services under one roof to better serve victims of Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, Sexual Assault, Elder Abuse, Child Abuse, and Stalking.
The goal of a Family Justice Center is to provide comprehensive and coordinated support to individuals and families affected by abuse, helping them to feel safe and supported as they navigate the process of seeking help and rebuilding their lives.
Visit the Family Justice Center