‘Operation Porch Lights Out’ designed to monitor sex offenders, ensure safe trick-or-treating in Virginia: Youngkin

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced an operation to protect Virginians on Halloween, "Operation Porch Lights Out," designed to monitor offenders and ensure safe trick-or-treating across Virginia communities.

According to a release on Oct. 31, "Operation Porch Lights Out" is a collaboration between the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) and law enforcement, which aims to keep trick-or-treaters across the Commonwealth safe.

“When it comes to protecting our children and keeping Virginia communities safe, we take no chances,” Youngkin said in the press release. “Operation Porch Lights Out is another example of our administration’s commitment to proactive law enforcement and partnership across agencies. I’m grateful for the dedicated men and women of the Virginia Department of Corrections and the Virginia State Police for their tireless work to ensure that families across the Commonwealth can enjoy a safe and fun Halloween.”

VADOC Probation & Parole (P&P) district offices and the Sex Offender Programs and Monitoring Unit (SOPMU) will be checking on the sexually violent offenders under their supervision this Halloween weekend.

The governor's office said that VADOC reportedly filed 11 probation violation warrants following compliance checks on sex offenders under community supervision last year, with five warrants filed in the central and eastern regions, and one in the western region of the state.

Sex offenders under supervision have been instructed not to decorate their homes or distribute candy this year, with all probation and parole districts establishing curfews for sex offenders. Random home contacts will also be conducted, per Youngkin's office.

The department supervises almost 60,000 probationers and parolees in 43 districts across Virginia.