Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced “Operation Porch Lights Out,” a statewide initiative designed to increase safety for children and families during Halloween. The operation is a coordinated effort between the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC), the Virginia State Police, and local law enforcement agencies to monitor sex offenders under community supervision.
“When it comes to protecting our children and keeping Virginia communities safe, we take no chances,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “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.”
The VADOC Probation & Parole district offices, along with the Sex Offender Programs and Monitoring Unit (SOPMU), are collaborating with state police and local agencies to remind supervised sex offenders about behavioral expectations on Halloween night. These measures include prohibiting sex offenders from decorating their homes or distributing candy, setting curfews, conducting random home visits, and instructing them not to attend local fall festivals aimed at children.
“I want to thank our public safety partners who work tirelessly to keep all Virginians safe—not just on Halloween, but every day of the year,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Marcus Anderson. “Operation Porch Lights Out is focused on protecting our most vulnerable citizens—our children. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of VADOC probation and parole officers, along with our law enforcement partners, families across the Commonwealth can enjoy trick-or-treating and other Halloween festivities with greater peace of mind knowing that offenders are being closely monitored.”
During last year’s compliance checks after Halloween night, VADOC filed 11 probation violation warrants against sex offenders under community supervision; most were in Central and Eastern regions.
District Probation & Parole offices will be monitoring sexually violent offenders under their supervision more closely, especially those whose victims were minors.
“The VADOC and our law enforcement partners take steps annually to ensure public safety on Halloween weekend,” said VADOC Director Chad Dotson. “Our probation and parole officers are dedicated to keeping the public safe as they enjoy trick-or-treating and other Halloween activities. Most of our officers live in the communities they serve, which means they have additional reasons to keep their children and families safe. If you notice anything suspicious, we urge you to contact local law enforcement. I thank our corrections team members and law enforcement partners for keeping our communities safe this weekend and every weekend.”
VADOC supervises nearly 60,000 probationers and parolees in 43 districts throughout Virginia using tools such as its Voice Verification Biometrics Unit. The department also helps individuals transition back into society after incarceration.
