Crime & Safety

'Lights Out' for Virginia Sex Offenders on Halloween

Probation officers and police will pay visits.

By Todd Richissin

Virginia's 3,400 sex offenders under probation or parole supervision will be monitored by state authorities while children are out trick-or-treating.

The sex offenders are required to either remain at home with their lights out and not answer the door, or attend a meeting at a secure location while children are out trick-or-treating, Department of Corrections Director Harold Clarke told The Associated Press.

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The initiative is dubbed "Operation Porch Lights Out." 

To ensure compliance, probation officers and state and local police will make random home visits Halloween night, the AP reported.

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