NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — As thousands of kids go trick-or-treating for Halloween, the Tennessee Department of Correction took an extra step to make sure they are safe.
They call it "Operation Blackout." It's when the department imposes additional rules on sex offenders so families and children can be out in the community for Halloween festivities without having to worry about a possible crime taking place.
During Halloween, sex offenders under TDOC supervision are informed of a specific set of rules that must be followed:
- Must be at home by 6 p.m.
- No Halloween decorations
- Porch lights must be off
- No distributing Halloween candy
- May not attend Halloween functions (Hallelujah Night, Harvest Festivals, etc.)
TDOC officers canvased areas and visited more than 3,800 offenders to ensure compliance.
Correction workers usually make in-person visits with sex offenders to tell them about these rules, but this year with the COVID-19 pandemic some check-ins were virtual.
"It’s definitely been more intensive we are wearing full-body suits as well as gloves and masks," said officer Benjamin Holzmer.
Officers are reminding parents to stay vigilant during Halloween and have tough conversations with your kid.
Most victims know and trust the person who sexually abuses them. The most recent statistics in Tennessee (January to June 2020) show that over 50% of the children assisted by their local Child Advocacy Center were abused by a family member or other trusted adult.
If you want to check if a sex offender lives in your area, click here.
