Operation Scarecrow, Trick or Treat to target sex offenders

In order to ensure children don’t become victims to sexual predators during Halloween, officers from the Nevada Department of Public Safety-Division of Parole and Probation are conducting Operations Scarecrow and Trick or Treat this week in Reno, Washoe County and Carson City.

Working in conjunction with the U.S. Marshals Service’s Fugitive Task Force, officers will be giving specific direction in advance to supervised sex offenders and providing community supervision to high risk sex offenders and those with minor victims. These sex offenders will not be able to participate in any activity which could potentially lure children to or near residences to include a restriction they cannot have any home parties or pass out candy to children.

During this week, the two agencies will be contacting these sex offenders to verify their compliance with state law registration requirements, ensure they’re not engaging in associated holiday activities that could attract children and verify compliance with their terms and conditions of supervision.

Throughout October, officers have supervised sex offenders with written notices of “Offender Halloween Restrictions.” They were instructed to avoid any contact with children during the holiday and avoid any related festivities potentially involving children.

Officers will be conducting home visitations and surveillances to determine offender compliance and detect any violations. Officers will be trying to make as many contacts as possible over the five days, and enforcement action regarding violations will be based on a case by case basis.