SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On Halloween, children across the state gear up for a night of costumes and candy.
Meanwhile, local law enforcement agencies are making preparations to ensure the safety of young trick-or-treaters with an initiative known as "Operation Boo."
“Operation Boo” is a collaborative effort among state and local law enforcement agencies designed to monitor registered high-risk sex offenders on Halloween night.
As families hit the streets, Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies and parole agents will conduct compliance checks on registered offenders, ensuring they abide by specific regulations to keep children safe.
Dustin Silva, a Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, emphasized the initiative's goal: “We just want to do our best to make sure that those kids are safe while they're out enjoying trick-or-treating.”
Compliance measures for high-risk offenders include restrictions designed to deter contact with trick-or-treaters. Offenders are required to keep their exterior lights off, adhere to a nighttime curfew on Halloween and are strictly prohibited from distributing candy. Silva explains these requirements help minimize any sign that might make a house appear welcoming to young visitors.
For parents concerned about their neighborhood, the California Department of Justice offers an online resource through its Megan’s Law website. By entering an address, users can locate nearby supervised sex offenders and plan a safer trick-or-treating route.
However, recent changes to California law have revised registration requirements. Under a 2021 law, California operates with a three-tiered registration system, which means not all offenders are required to register for life. Some are required to register for only five to 20 years, depending on the circumstances,
“When you go on the Megan’s Law website, just because somebody doesn’t show up on there, doesn’t mean they haven’t committed a crime against a child in the past,” Silva noted, advising parents to remain vigilant regardless of website information.
Silva also shared advice for Halloween night: parents should accompany children as they go door to door, keep track of their location and remain engaged. “Just be engaged with your kids,” Silva emphasized. “Go with them when they're trick-or-treating, and be aware of where they're at.”
The state has also published a guide for parents on discussing potentially dangerous adult behaviors with their children. With resources like the Megan’s Law website and informed conversations, parents can help create a safer Halloween experience for all.
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