News: Press Releases

DOC Operation Trick No Treat Targets Known Sex Offenders Across State

RICHMOND – Virginia Department of Corrections (DOC) Director Gene Johnson announced another successful implementation of Operation Trick No Treat (TNT) on Halloween night 2003 to remove targeted sex offenders from the street while children in the community are trick-or-treating.  Probation & Parole Officers in Prince William County and the Cities of Petersburg and, Norfolk identified and directed over 280 sex offenders to report to their Probation & Parole Office while children were trick-or-treating on Friday evening, October 31st.

The operation represented a collaborative effort between City and County authorities including local Police.  Offenders with a history of substance abuse convictions received on-site drug testing.

Probation and Parole Officers conducted an educational session, addressed supervision issues and coordinated the operation while Police provided custodial searches of offenders and oversight of any existing warrants.  Offenders were released to return to supervision at the conclusion of the operation after the trick-or-treat curfew had expired.

“DOC Probation and Parole Officers are to be commended for their initiative and leadership,” said Director Johnson.  “Operation Trick No Treat has proven successful and continues to grow across the state due to the close collaboration between 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.