Heightened Halloween Patrol: Tennessee Law Enforcement to Monitor Sex Offenders' Homes for Safety Compliance

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In Johnson City, Tennessee, probation and parole officers are set to conduct home visits for sex offenders with convictions involving minors this Halloween. This initiative is part of the Tennessee Department of Correction’s (TDOC) Operation Blackout.

Operation Blackout is a comprehensive statewide program designed to enhance safety for children and the community during Halloween festivities.

A TDOC news release outlines that officers will perform unannounced visits to ensure that these “high-risk individuals” adhere to the conditions set for Halloween night.

According to a TDOC news release, officers will make unannounced home visits to make sure “high-risk individuals” are in compliance for Halloween.

Per TDOC, convicted sex offenders whose offenses involved children are not allowed to do the following on Halloween:

Answering the door to trick-or-treaters on Halloween. Porch lights must remain off and front doors closed.
Distributing Halloween treats, candy, favors, or gifts to children at their residence or any other home. Offenders may not visit or be present in any residence where these items are being distributed.
The distribution of treats, candy, favors, or gifts by anyone at the offender’s registered residence.
Wearing costumes.
Having a Halloween party at the offenders’ residence.
Visiting corn mazes, haunted houses, hayrides, or any other seasonal activities, or attending any function where children are gathered, even if it is a private residence.

TDOC reports there are more than 26,000 registered sex offenders in the state, and roughly 5,000 are under active TDOC supervision.

“This is about being present, reinforcing expectations, and helping to ensure families can enjoy the holiday with peace of mind,” Chris Hansen, TDOC’s Assistant Commissioner of Community Supervision, said in the release.