Operation “Clean Sweep” checks on local sex offenders

JACKSON, Tenn. — More than 100 high risk sex offenders call West Tennessee home and Friday all of them got a surprise visit from law enforcement.

It is called operation “Clean Sweep,” aiming to sweep non-compliant sex offenders off the streets by making random checks at their homes. WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News got an exclusive look as officers knocked on doors in the Hub City, looking for everything from guns to pornography.

“It’s their turf, unannounced. So we can get a better view of really what the offender is up to,”  Joe Williams with the Tennessee Department of Corrections said. “We are actually targeting the offenders who are basically our new offenders as well as our high-risk offenders. ”

Parole officers leave no stone unturned, looking for anything out of place. Officers found a few violations as our crews rode along Friday including a couple pornographic DVDs.

Under state law sex offenders cannot own guns, be near children, have alcohol and have to follow dozens of other stipulations.

“One repeat offender is one too many,” Williams said. “Because these type of crimes affect people for the rest of their lives.”

While officers found some offenders not home for their search, they will not get a pass.

“Until we see all 159 offenders face to face at their homes we’re not stopping,” Williams said.

As of Friday night, officers have searched 150 homes in West Tennessee resulting in one arrest, one citation and 24 minor violations. Searches will continue throughout the weekend.