For nearly three-and-half decades, the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) has conducted compliance checks and home visits in communities across the state on Halloween.
It’s called “Operation Boo,” and it again kicks into action Oct. 31.
“It’s one of the largest outward-facing operations DAPO does, where we’re embedded in the communities working in these communities all over the state,” DAPO Director Bryan Bishop said. “To ensure all of our youth out there can have a safe and fun, eventful Halloween.”
The operation is done in partnership with local law enforcement and focuses on sex offenders on parole who aren’t allowed to have contact with minors.
Ensuring parole supervision compliance
On Halloween night, supervised persons must stay indoors from 5 p.m. Oct. 31 to 5 a.m. Nov. 1. During this time, all exterior lights must be turned off. They are not allowed to offer Halloween candy or display any decorations. In addition, they can only open their door to respond to law enforcement, adult family members or emergency needs.
“Success at the end of the night is that everyone’s within compliance, no one violated any of their conditions and most importantly, officer safety — we all go home. No one gets hurt. That’s ultimately the perfect operation,” said Parole Agent Jesus Caropreso, who’s heading into his second Operation Boo.
While DAPO has other operations throughout the year, Operation Boo still stands out for a reason. It has a unified goal: ensuring compliance and protecting children across the state.
“It’s one evening, one unilateral approach,” Bishop said. “All DAPO resources and our local law enforcement are focused on keeping our parole population in compliance to ensure the safety of our children and our communities.”
Parole agents choose to protect others
CDCR’s parole agents choose to join the operation and change their schedules. Some even sacrifice their personal time to keep other families safe.
“I did discuss it with my family prior because family is important. You don’t want to miss out on things. But, for me and my family, (we) agree this is something that’s a little bit more important than going out trick or treating,” first-time Operation Boo participant, Parole Agent Jenna Martin said.
And the message resonates with Bishop, who is a parent himself, and his crew in the field. They want to make Halloween a night where no one fears their children could be placed in harm’s way.
Parole Agent Lorrie Schindler has made this sacrifice for the community many times before. She’s been part of Operation Boo since 2008.
“It just makes me feel like I’m doing something to help,” she said. “We’re out there and protecting the community and keeping our (supervised persons) in check.”
So once again, DAPO is putting its effort into this Oct. 31 statewide operation.
“At the end of the day, keeping our kids safe is paramount to everybody. We all know keeping children safe is the number one priority,” Bishop said.
Story by Eric Escalante, information officer
Office of Public and Employee Communications
CDCR file photos of Operation Boo
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