RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TENN - This Halloween, probation and parole officers from the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) will be out in force, making sure that trick-or-treating in Rutherford County and across the state is safe for families. As part of the annual “Operation Blackout,” officers will visit the homes of high-risk sex offenders to enforce strict rules designed to protect children.

The initiative targets sex offenders who are under state supervision and whose convictions involve minors. To reduce the risk to children during Halloween, offenders must follow several restrictions, including:

*Keeping porch lights off and not answering the door to trick-or-treaters.

*Avoiding the distribution of any Halloween candy, treats, or gifts, either at home or elsewhere.

*Prohibiting anyone in the household from handing out treats at the offender’s registered address.

*Not wearing costumes of any kind.

*Restricting Halloween parties from being held at their home.

*Staying away from seasonal attractions like corn mazes, haunted houses, hayrides, or any event where children are present.

“Operation Blackout is about holding offenders accountable and ensuring the safety of the community,” said Chris Hansen, TDOC Assistant Commissioner of Community Supervision. “Residents who live with offenders need to be aware of these rules, as some apply to the entire residence, not just the individual under supervision.”

With over 26,000 registered sex offenders in Tennessee, including 5,000 under active supervision, TDOC officers will be conducting targeted visits to hundreds of high-risk individuals this Halloween. The operation includes visits to homes in Rutherford County, as part of a statewide effort to make the holiday safer for children.

As local neighborhoods gear up for Halloween festivities, the TDOC’s efforts serve as an added measure to ensure that families in Rutherford County and beyond can celebrate without concern.