SACRAMENTO – More than 350 agents from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO), together with more than 100 law enforcement partners, conducted almost 1,200 compliance searches of California sex-offenders’ homes across the state as part of the 23nd annual Operation Boo Child Safety Project on Halloween night. The searches resulted in 62 arrests for parole or probation violations, including two parolees-at-large, 15 cases of possession of child pornography, and six confiscations of prohibited firearms or other weapons.
“Our gratitude goes out to the parole agents and local law enforcement personnel who gave up their family time to help ensure that California’s children were safe as they enjoyed this holiday tradition, and who helped us empower parents to teach their children about potentially dangerous adult behavior,” said Guillermo Viera Rosa, Director of the DAPO.
Operation Boo also offered a free downloadable brochure. The Parent’s Guide has information to keep children safe all year. It features these components:
- Not Just Stranger Danger: The California Department of Justice‘s Megan’s Law website says 90% of child victims know their offender, with almost half of the offenders being a family member. Of sexual assaults against people age 12 and up, approximately 80% of the victims know the offender. We’ve listed several website locations with tips on how to talk to your children about dangerous behaviors by any adult, not just strangers;
- Parent Empowerment: Links to important tools to help keep children safe, such as the Megan’s Law website that helps the public pinpoint where sex-offenders live in their area so children can stay clear of them.
Contact: (916) 445-4950