Division of Adult Parole Operations, Law Enforcement Operations

Operation Boo: Parole keeps families safe

November 4, 2022

CDCR parole agents partnered with other law enforcement agencies for the 29th annual Operation Boo on Oct. 31.

On Halloween night, parole agents from CDCR’s Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) arrested 49 people across the state for violations related to failed compliance checks during Operation Boo.

The arrests were part of the 29th annual Operation Boo, in which almost 400 parole agents, along with local law enforcement partners, conducted sex offender compliance checks. The offenders are currently on parole supervision who have many conditions of parole, including no contact with minors.

49 parole violators arrested by DAPO, partner agencies

In total, parole agents conducted over 1,000 compliance checks and home visits across the state. As a result, 71 parolees were found out of compliance with their terms and conditions of parole, with 49 being arrested. For those arrested, they will face possible revocation or local charges in relation to parole violations.

Preparing for Halloween Night

Parole agent on phone during Operation Boo. — Communication is key during Operation Boo.

Throughout the year, parole agents prepare for Operation Boo by:

familiarizing themselves with parolee case files
ensuring their personal safety equipment is working properly
and verifying they can be easily identified as a parole agent by the public.

“Not all parolees have the same conditions of parole so I need to ensure I’m familiar with each parolee’s background and current living situation,” said Sacramento Parole Agent III Carlos Lopez, participating in his twelfth Operation Boo. “Most importantly, is to have a positive attitude knowing we’re out in the public interacting with families to ensure their Halloween is both enjoyable and safe.”

“Operation Boo provides parole agents with the opportunity to showcase their efforts at being proactive in the community,” said Victorville Parole Agent Nicholas Castillo. This was his third Operation Boo. “It allows parole agents to work as a team and learn from one another. It also works as a deterrent to those on parole who still engage in problematic behavior.”

“As long as we continue to conduct projects like Operation Boo, the public can depend and trust that law enforcement agencies are there to protect and serve them on this special night,” Agent Lopez added.

Child Safety Year-Round

Parole agent checks an area of a parolee's house. — Parole agents do more than knock on doors, they also keep an eye out for violations of parole.

In addition to Operation Boo, parole agents monitor sex offender parolees in the community throughout the year. Parole agents and their law enforcement partners analyze patterns of behavior and monitor parolee’s whereabouts via their assigned GPS device.

Agents also:

conduct periodic compliance sweeps
work with local law enforcement
respond to parole violations
and make referrals for treatment services in the community.

DAPO Agents also gauge a parolee’s compliance with their conditions of parole and state and federal laws through:

residence visits, progress reports from treatment providers
engagement with the family and collateral contacts
and general observations of how a parolee approaches their transition into the community.

Agent Castillo believes DAPO’s work is usually unnoticed by the community throughout the year. He says projects like Operation Boo are a highlight for the Division. “Operations like this enhance community relations and build mutual respect and understanding amongst all individuals involved.”

Story by Tessa Outhyse, CDCR Office of Public and Employee Communications
Photos by Clarissa Resultan, TV Specialist

Learn more about CDCR’s parole agents.

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