Halloween brings out millions of kids for trick-or-treating in Florida.
Law enforcement did not forget about criminals in the Sunshine State.
And Florida had a scary Halloween surprise for criminals that left them white as a ghost.
Law enforcement does a surprise check-up on criminals for Halloween
Florida has cemented its status as a law and order state under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis.
The annual trick-or-treating festivities for kids are an occasion that predators could look to exploit.
Predators and sex offenders under supervision got a surprise visit in Florida from law enforcement for Halloween.
The Florida Department of Corrections and local law enforcement visited these criminals to make sure they were not participating in Halloween and were following the court-ordered terms of their release.
Most of the sex offenders and predators were following the law but the sweep managed to bust 10 of them for probation violations.
Any sex offender violating their probation in Florida is arrested immediately.
Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon said the Halloween sweep was about keeping the public safe.
“I am immensely proud of our staff for the vital role they play in public safety, especially on a night like Halloween,” Dixon said.
Sex offenders in Florida are not allowed to put up Halloween decorations, hand out candy to trick-or-treaters, dress up in a costume, or go to Halloween parties.
They must stay inside with the outside lights off and keep their blinds closed for the holiday.
Florida law enforcement had a busy Halloween
Probation officers in Florida made 5,600 home visits to sex offenders and predators on Halloween.
They did 230 searches and performed 90 drug tests.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, children and their families around the state were able to safely trick-or-treat within their local communities without fearing those who may wish them harm,” Dixon stated. “We want to thank our dedicated staff and our law enforcement partners for their efforts in upholding time-honored traditions here in Florida.”
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office arrested three sex offenders for violating their probation during the Halloween sweep.
One Florida man had set up Halloween decorations on his property and failed to report to his probation officer that he was living in a homemade trailer.
Assistant Deputy Secretary of Community Corrections Joe Winkler stressed the sweep was following DeSantis’ example of making public safety a priority.
“This annual initiative is one of the many ways we follow Governor DeSantis’ lead in prioritizing public safety and upholding our duty to maintain public safety,” Winkler said.
“This joint effort was enhanced by the support of our law enforcement partners across the state including our state agencies, sheriff’s offices, and police departments,” Winkler continued. “Again, I want to personally thank every member of our staff who took the time to make sure our communities were safe during Halloween.”
Criminals in Florida quickly learn that crime does not pay in the Sunshine State.
DeSantis Daily will keep you up-to-date on any new developments in this ongoing story.
