TDOC’s Operation Blackout returns for Halloween

JACKSON, Tenn. — The annual statewide Operation Blackout gives an extra layer of protection to Tennessee communities by setting Halloween restrictions for convicted sex offenders in neighborhoods across the state.

On Halloween night, children are knocking on strangers doors, and they have no idea who the may come in contact with. Because of this.. the Operation Blackout assignment is a way to protect children and families.

“We want all of our sex offenders that are in the community to have their lights off, to have their house undecorated, to have no children around, to have no festivities whatsoever during this time,” said TDOC Assistant Commissioner Chris Hansen.

According to Commissioner Hansen, they have 156 probation and parole officers that will be out statewide on October 31. This is a large operation for the Tennessee Department of Correction.

“Our intent is to make visits and to ensure that if you knock on the door no ones answering. So, we will call them to see if they answer the phone and then we may go inside the residence to see what’s going on. But, the point is they should not be answering their door for anybody that comes knocking,” said Hansen.

Upon their check in visits they aim for each registered sex offender to be in compliance with the restrictions put in place for them. Commissioner Hansen expresses this protection helps offenders by not being exposed to triggers or impulses that may result to legal action.

“We make regular visits to our sex offenders several times a month depending on their risk level and what their offense involves,” said Hansen.

This initiative was started because of problems in the past involving cases where offenders left their lights on or allowed trick or treaters inside their home on Halloween.

“We supervise a limited number of offenders and there’s about almost 27-thousand on the sex offender registry statewide. So, it’s really important for parents to be informed and to get on that registry and know what is going on in their community,” said Hansen.

Hansen tells us the consequences sex offenders can expect.

“If they’re not in compliance we would contact the court and get a warrant for their arrest. If it’s a new law violation we call in law enforcement to assist us and take them into custody,” said Hansen.

For parents or guardians are concerned if a sex offender lives near them, The Tennessee Department of Correction has an app and a website you can visit.