News: Press Releases
For Release: November 1, 2002 - Contact: Larry Traylor, (804) 674-3574Jo G. Holland (757) 925-2231 Community Corrections
DOC Operation Trick No Treat Targets Known Sex Offenders in Norfolk and Virginia Beach
RICHMOND – Virginia Department of Corrections (DOC) Director Gene Johnson announced the successful implementation of Operation Trick No Treat (TNT) on Halloween 2002 to remove targeted sex offenders from the street while children in the community are trick-or-treating. Probation & Parole Officers in the cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach identified and directed a total of 244 sex offenders to report to the Probation & Parole Office between 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on October 31st.
The operation represented a collaborative effort among the Norfolk and Virginia Beach Probation & Parole Offices, Police Departments, Sheriff's Departments, the Virginia State Police and local treatment providers. Offenders with a history of substance abuse convictions received on-site drug testing and digital photos were taken to update offender files.
Virginia State Police Officers met with offenders to provide Sex Offender Registry information and update State Police registration files. Offenders met with treatment providers for an educational session. Norfolk and Virginia Beach Police and Sheriff Departments provided custodial searches of offenders and oversight for any previously existing warrants. Probation & Parole Officers addressed supervision issues and coordinated the TNT operation. Offenders were released to return to supervision at the conclusion of the operation and after the curfew for trick-or-treaters had expired.
"This represents the second successful operation in as many years," said Director Johnson. "An event of this magnitude, to be successful, demanded the close collaboration of the community and participating law enforcement agencies."
As part of the DOC mission to enhance public safety, Operation Trick No Treat provided community safety by removing a high-risk population from the streets during a time when children could be vulnerable. The goal of "no new victims" was achieved.