Operation Hallowed Streets Checks On 5,000 Sex Predators

TAMPA BAY, FL — Nearly 5,000 sex offender compliance checks were conducted for Halloween as part of a statewide enforcement effort called Operation Hallowed Streets.

The Florida Sheriffs Association Task Force led the initiative in partnership with 18 Florida counties. Operation Hallowed Streets focused on the safety of children on Halloween night by making contact with sexual offenders/predators to ensure they are compliant with their obligations and the Florida State Statutes. This involved a three-day operation that included physical checks on every sexual offender/predator to ensure they are properly registered.

"I personally hit the streets along with my deputies, knocking on doors to remind sex offenders in Hillsborough County of the rules of Halloween," said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our goal each Halloween is to make sure children can safely walk the streets and give their parents piece of mind in knowing that we are taking extra steps to protect them."

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office alone spent 774 checking on 1,567 sex offenders.

"The safety of our children is always top of mind for law enforcement throughout the state of Florida," said FSA President and Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. "Ensuring that all sexual offenders and predators are compliant with applicable state law, county ordinance and provisions of probation gives everyone an additional layer of comfort so families can enjoy Halloween festivities."

The 18 participating counties were Alachua, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Flagler, Hendry, Hernando, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Manatee, Martin, Pasco, Pinellas, Seminole, St. Johns and Sumter.

Here are the statewide totals:

• Compliance checks conducted: 4,956
• Compliance checks - in compliance: 4,242
• Compliance checks - not in compliance: 118
• Hours dedicated to this operation: 1,585
• Arrests and/or warrants issued: 17
• Social media/Sign postings: 85
• Citizen education efforts made: 111