Officers to check sex offenders Halloween night
DOWNTOWN JACKSON — Law enforcement agencies team up to keep kids safe from violent criminals this Halloween. Hundreds of registered sex offenders living in West Tennessee must comply with certain guidelines. Trick-or-treaters will hit the streets of Jackson for Halloween on Friday night. Ginger Williams, a parent, said her kids typically only visit a few houses. “We usually go to the grandparents’ neighborhoods and hit their doors,” she said. Williams said she walks door-to-door with her kids, and they try not to stay out after dark. The Tennessee Department of Correction will also protect kids Halloween night. Their “Operation Blackout” puts hundreds of officers on the streets to check on about 1,900 sex offenders across the state. “Most of these offenders that we will be checking on are either very violent offenders or their victims were children,” said Gina Rinks, probation and parole manager. TDOC said sex offenders under state supervision must turn porch lights off and cannot open the door for trick-or-treaters. The state said offenders cannot display fall decorations, wear costumes or dress in disguise. Sex offenders must remain inside their home between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m., according to the department of correction. The state said sex offenders can only open the door for law enforcement or probation and parole officers. Rinks encouraged parents to be vigilant. “We know what these people are capable of,” she said. “I would only go to the homes where I know the people, stay in their neighborhoods,” probation and parole manager Kaye Cole said. Williams said she is not concerned. “I think that the police officers are out there and they’re keeping everything under control, so I’m not worried about it,” she said. Offenders who do not comply with the restrictions could face additional charges.
