Nevada Begins "Operation Scarecrow" to Monitor Sex Predators Before Halloween
Various police agencies in Nevada have begun the so-called "Operation Scarecrow" to prevent registered sex offenders to come in contact with children ahead of Halloween. Law enforcement officials will ensure that registered sex offenders around the state will follow the rules enacted for the day by visiting each sex offender and also patrolling certain locations.
According to KOLO TV, local law enforcement, the Division of Parole and Probation, U.S. Marshalls and the Regional Sex Offender Notification Unit will be making the rounds through neighborhoods with registered sex offenders to ensure that they remain indoors and do nothing to endanger the well being of children who will be out trick or treating.
Known as "Operation Scarecrow," the police action allows law enforcement to remind sex offenders of their curfew, which starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 6 a.m., and that they have to post a "No Candy" sign outside their homes as well as have their front lights off. They are also not allowed to have any decorations up and are not allowed to open the door for anyone other than law enforcement.
"A lot of these guys have crimes against children, so we're just trying to make sure that with all of the children out in costumes, we want to make sure they're not tempted to commit any crimes against children," said Officer William McDaniel from DPS, according to KLAS.
"Depending on where they are and what they're doing that could be an automatic arrest," he added.
One of the areas police will be scouting for suspicious activity and for sex offenders are pumpkin patches. McDaniel adds, "If they're not working, they have to be home on Halloween."
The program, which has law enforcement officials go door-to-door reminding registered sex offenders about the rules, has been in effect for 10 years and is considered successful. However, it is always good to be safe.
"Just be vigilant. Watch your children. Watch for these kind of people, these predators," McDaniel reminds parents.
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