The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) has launched Operation Blackout during October.

TDOC conducts the operation during the Halloween season to ensure sex offenders are not making contact with children trick-or-treating.

During Halloween, sex offenders under TDOC and county law enforcement supervision are informed of a very specific set of rules they must follow. They include:

• They must in their homes by 6 p.m. October 31
• They are not allowed to having any Halloween décor
• They must keep their porch light off
• They are not allowed to distribute Halloween candy
• They are not allowed to attend any Halloween functions

While TDOC and law enforcement officers will be out enhancing public safety, there are some things that you can do to ensure that your child has a safe night full of treats and not tricks.

• 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 or your local law enforcement agency and report it.