49 parole violators arrested by DAPO, partner agencies
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.
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
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
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.”
For more information visit the Operation Boo webpage, which includes a parent guide. The tips were compiled by various government agencies, as well as advocacy groups and their experts.
Story by Tessa Outhyse, CDCR Office of Public and Employee Communications
Photos by Clarissa Resultan, TV Specialist