News Releases are to be used for informational purposes only. Information provided should not be relied upon for any type of legal action.

Nearly 5,000 sex offender checks performed during Operation Hallowed Streets

For Immediate Release : Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Release Number: 19-393

Date

Location

Nearly 5,000 sex offender compliance checks were conducted this Halloween as the result of a statewide operation known as Operation Hallowed Streets. 

The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) Task Force led the initiative in partnership with 18 Florida counties, including Hillsborough County. Operation Hallowed Streets focused on the safety of children on Halloween night by making contact with sexual offenders/predators to ensure they are compliant with their obligations and the Florida State Statutes. This involved a three-day operation that included physical checks on every sexual offender/predator to ensure they are properly registered.

"I personally hit the streets along with my deputies, knocking on doors to remind sex offenders in Hillsborough County of the rules of Halloween," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our goal each Halloween is to make sure children can safely walk the streets and give their parents piece of mind in knowing that we are taking extra steps to protect them."

The following counties participated: Alachua, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Flagler, Hendry, Hernando, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Manatee, Martin, Pasco, Pinellas, Seminole, St. Johns and Sumter.

The following are the statewide totals from all 18 counties:

  • Compliance checks conducted: 4,956
  • Compliance checks - in compliance: 4,242
  • Compliance checks - not in compliance: 118
  • Hours dedicated to this operation: 1,585
  • Arrests and/or warrants issued: 17
  • Social media/Sign postings: 85
  • Citizen education efforts made: 111