The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has developed “Operation Boo,” a concentrated patrol effort that seeks to enforce strict regulations for registered sex offenders on the night of Halloween, October 31. The guidelines will apply to parole regions throughout California.
“Operation Boo” requires registered sex offenders to remain inside their homes on Halloween night between the hours of 5 p.m. and 5 a.m. to minimize the chances of these people interacting with children who might be walking around their neighborhoods as part of typical Halloween festivities. They are prohibited from leaving at any time unless they have acquired the permission from their parole officer. Should a sex offender leave their home, a parole agent will be instantly notified. Parole agents will be dispersed throughout the district for firm enforcement. High-risk sex offenders have been identified and will be monitored more closely with random visits from their parole officers. In addition to the curfew, registered sex offenders are forbidden from displaying any Halloween decorations, and may not answer the door for trick-or-treaters.