MEMPHIS, Tenn — "Operation Blackout” is underway in Tennessee. It is an annual statewide operation to ensure sex offenders on the Tennessee Department of Correction's (TDOC) caseload are complying with the conditions of their supervision, as well as special conditions put in place surrounding the Halloween holiday, as an extra layer of protection for children.
All registered sex offenders must follow a specific set of rules during the month of October: no Halloween decorations, no attending Halloween/fall functions, including Harvest Festivals, no distributing candy and keeping the porch light turned off on Halloween night.
“There are just under 4,000 sex offenders on supervision living amongst us in Tennessee,” said Commissioner Tony Parker. “While we hope these folks are doing what they are supposed to, it is our job to confirm it. As a father, I am appreciative of these officers canvasing our communities to ensure everyone has a safe, enjoyable night.”
Unannounced home checks will be conducted all month, by TDOC Probation/Parole, leading up to Halloween. They will also be out in neighborhoods on the 31st conducting compliance checks.
Here are a few more things you can do to ensure your child is safe this Halloween:
- Go with your child on Halloween night. This is great way to keep your child safe and will give you a chance to get to know your neighbors better.
- If your child goes out without adult supervision, make sure you know where they will be trick-or-treating.
- Before you go out on Halloween night, check the TBI Sex Offender Registry to know which houses to avoid.
- If you see any suspicious activity, please contact your local law enforcement agency.
- If you see a TDOC offender at a Halloween event or with holiday décor, please call 1-844-TDCFIND and report it.
