None — Dozens of law enforcement officers signed up to visit hundreds of sex offender's homes in Mecklenburg County, as part of the fifth annual Operation Trick or Treat. The purpose of the program is to verify 648 sex offenders' addresses and contact information. But for the first time, they're not doing it on Halloween.
"One of the reasons we do this is to raise awareness," said Captain Kristjan Rahe, of the Sheriff's Office. "Everyone knows we go out every Halloween, so what better way to surprise people than to come out a day early?"
Eyewitness News rode along with Deputy Prince Newsome, who had a stack of about 40 sex offenders to check up on, including many with offenses against children, like Jermaine Dixon, who is legally prohibited from giving out candy during trick or treating.
"It bothers me, but I understand where they're coming from," Dixon said.
Newsome pointed out that because Halloween is on Sunday, many families won't want to go trick-or-treating because of church, and because it's a school night. Our crews noticed many children celebrating the holiday on Saturday night.
"Parents should always be standing on the sidewalk if their children participate in Halloween," Newsome said.
Many sex offenders said that after getting a knock on the door every year, they'd rather not participate, even if they legally can.
"I just sit back and look at TV, and wait for the day to go by," said registered sex offender William Norman.
Deputy Newsome said the point of the operation is to let all offenders know law enforcement is keeping a close eye on them.
Meckleburg County has 788 registered sex offenders. There are 21 warrants for offenders not in compliance with registry laws.
WSOC
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