Georgia deputies knock on 114 doors in Halloween sex offender compliance sweep
By Madelyn Cooper
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EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Georgia (WJCL) — Effingham County deputies are conducting compliance checks on registered sex offenders as part of Operation Watchful Eye, a statewide initiative to verify addresses and ensure offenders are following registration requirements.
“We’re out here doing an address verifications on our registered sex offenders to make sure they’re living where they’re supposed to be, living,” Deputy Sheriff Kathy Dillard of the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies began their checks early, planning to knock on 114 doors throughout the week.
“Who will be knocking on 114 doors this morning and throughout the week. The very first one we went to, his sister come out and said he has not lived there for several months. So, we’ll be issuing a warrant for his arrest,” Dillard said.
Trunk or Treat List: From Savannah to Port Royal, events bring first responders, pets and family fun Last year, two people out of 123 registered sex offenders in the county were arrested for non-compliance, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies say conducting these checks before Halloween helps ensure children’s safety.
“We have knocked on every door of every sex offender in this county before Halloween,” Dillard said.
Georgia law restricts some registered sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of places like schools, churches, and other areas where children gather. On Halloween night, offenders on probation must report to the sheriff’s office while children are out trick-or-treating.
“Give everybody a little bit of peace of mind that they’re where they’re supposed to be, and we’re staying on top of them,” Dillard said.
This marks the 11th year the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office has participated in Operation Watchful Eye, which runs through Nov. 2.
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