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NASHVILLE – On Oct. 31, probation and parole officers with the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) will conduct Operation Blackout, an annual statewide event that adds an extra layer of protection to Tennessee communities.

On Halloween night, probation and parole officers across Tennessee will visit the homes of sex offenders under TDOC supervision whose convictions involved children. The visits aim to verify compliance with special restrictions in place for the holiday. The restrictions prohibit:

• Answering the door to trick-or-treaters on Halloween. Porch lights must remain off and front doors closed.
• Distributing Halloween treats, candy, favors, or gifts to any children, either at the offender’s residence or any other home. Offenders may not visit or be present in any residence where these items are being distributed.
• The distribution of treats, candy, favors, or gifts by anyone at the offender’s registered place of residence.
• Wearing costumes.
• Having a Halloween party at the offender’s residence.
• Visiting corn mazes, haunted houses, hayrides, or any other seasonal activities, or attending any function where children are gathered, even if it is at a private residence.

“Operation Blackout is an accountability check,” said Chris Hansen, TDOC assistant commissioner of community supervision. “It’s also important for others who live at the residence to know the rules to avoid unintended consequences since many of these restrictions apply to the residence itself, not just the offender.”

There are more than 26,000 registered sex offenders in Tennessee, and 5,000 of them are currently under state supervision. TDOC officers plan to visit the homes of several hundred high-risk sex offenders on Halloween.