Operation Blackout Preliminary Stats - Memphis

MEMPHIS – To enhance the safety of Tennessee children, the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) has visited the homes of more than 3,500 sex offenders (450 in Memphis) this month.  Operation Blackout is designed to increase the safety of trick-or-treaters by giving sex offenders under TDOC supervision an additional layer of safety.

Operation Blackout began on October 21 with probation and parole officers conducting home checks on more than 3,500 sex offenders in order to increase the safety of trick-or-treaters.  On Halloween night, TDOC Officers paid visits to 814 offenders statewide with 111 people in Memphis.

The state-wide Operation Blackout Pre-Halloween checks yielded 10 arrests.  Of that number, there were three arrests in Memphis, for residing with minors (2 offenders) and possession of child pornography.  However, on Halloween offenders in Memphis were in compliance with no arrests at this time.

“Every day our officers hold nearly 80-thousand offenders accountable to the conditions of their parole,” says Acting Assistant Commissioner Lisa Helton.  “Operation Blackout is an additional layer of supervision for our highest risk offenders to ensure that we do absolutely everything we can to protect the communities in which we live.”

At this time (9 pm CST), 77% of the checks have been completed. Officers will continue checks throughout the night.  Final numbers will be shared later this week.