Not everyone out Halloween night will be seeking treats.
Tennessee Department of Correction officers will be keeping an eye on registered sex offenders to make sure they’re complying with rules that require them to stay away from children. Sue Siedentop, correctional administrator for TDOC, said the department enforces strict rules regarding sex offenders year round. But especially during Halloween, she said TDOC tries to provide an extra layer of accountability through “Operation Blackout.”
“Our officers do a great job ensuring that offenders adhere to the conditions of their supervision,” Siedentop said in a statement. “But during Halloween — when thousands of children are going to be going door to door — our officers will be out in the community to make sure that these kids have a safe night.” TDOC has about 3,300 registered sex offenders under its supervision. Rules to which they must agree on Halloween include:
TDOC officers will canvas the state, visiting offenders determined to be a high risk to make sure they’re in compliance.
In addition to the TDOC action, Siedentop recommends other tips for parents:
Being in their homes by 6 p.m.
Not having any Halloween decor
Keeping porch lights turned off
Not distributing any Halloween candy
Not attending any Halloween functions
Go with children when trick-or-treating
If children do go out alone, make sure you know where they will be trick-or-treating
Check the TBI Sex Offender Registry (https://www.tn.gov/tbi/general-information/redirect-tennessee-sex-offend…
registry-search.html) to know houses to avoid Contact local law enforcement if suspicious activity is spotted
If you see a known TDOC-supervised offender at a Halloween event or with decorations, call 1-844-TDC-FIND to report it.
