CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW.COM) With Halloween coming up, parents have a tool to identify sex offenders in their neighborhoods by accessing the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry.
The online portal includes a function that allows users to enter a name or location which opens up a map showing names, addresses, and photos of offenders as well as specifics on charges.
A search from a random address off of Riverside Drive returned 15 records classified as “Violent,” or “Violent against children.”
It's almost time for Trick-or-Treat!
Before you head out with your family, take a minute to #KnowBeforeYouGo! Here's how!https://t.co/UeAs0LrVYw#Tennessee #TN #Nashville #Memphis #Knoxville #Chattanooga #Bristol #JohnsonCity #Murfreesboro #Clarksville #Halloween pic.twitter.com/3G0r0AzWFQ
— Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (@TBInvestigation) October 25, 2018
In addition, the Tennessee Department of Correction holds Operation Blackout each year to check up on registered sex offenders before and during the holiday.
During Halloween sex offenders under TDOC supervision are informed of a very specific set of rules they must follow.
Those include:
• Being in their homes by 6 p.m.
• Not having any Halloween décor
• Keeping their porch light off
• Not distributing Halloween candy
• Not attending any Halloween functions (Hallelujah Night, Harvest Festivals, etc.)
In addition to following those rules, officers will canvas the area and visit more than 3,300 offenders who have been determined to be high risk. Each of these offenders will be visited Halloween night to ensure compliance.
While TDOC officers will be out enhancing public safety, there are some things that you can do to ensure that your child has a safe night:
• Go with your child on Halloween night. This is not only a good way to keep your child safe but is a prime time to get to know your neighbors better.
• If you choose to let your child go out without adult supervision, make sure you know where your child will be Trick or Treating.
• Before you go out on Halloween night, check the TBI Sex Offender Registry to know which houses you should avoid.
• If you see any suspicious activity, please contact your local law enforcement agency.
• If you see a TDOC offender at a Halloween event or with holiday décor, please call 1-844-TDC-FIND and report it.
EXTRA: What’s the difference between a sexual offender and a violent sexual offender?
