HOULTON – For a short period on Halloween this year, the Houlton Police Department will give parents something most wish they had every day – X-ray vision.

From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 31, the Police Department will kick off an inaugural program that will allow parents to bring in their children’s candy to have it X-rayed to see whether it is tainted with any foreign objects. The new initiative is being conducted in collaboration with support from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Houlton police Lt. Daniel Pelletier said recently.

Pelletier said the department wanted to do something to allay any concerns parents might have about treats or fruit that their children receive when they go out trick-or-treating.

The X-ray machine will be available at the department at 97 Military St. throughout Halloween. Two Customs and Border Protection agents will be on hand to answer parents’ questions.

“When I first heard about this, I thought it was a great idea,” said Pelletier. “We do not get a lot of complaints about Halloween candy, but we do get a lot of concerns. This is going to give us another tool to promote safety.”

The service is safe and free, Pelletier added.

jlbdn@ainop.com

532-9257