In an effort designated “Operation Safe Halloween,” authorities swooped down on scores of homes across Los Angeles County today to make sure that known child predators are complying with the the conditions set for their release on probation.
The special operation began about 6 am and targeted 66 sex offenders convicted of various types of crimes against children, including molestation and rape, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Probation.
“The group was selected first by computer statistics seeking probationers with special court-ordered conditions to stay away from
children,” said Carol Lin of the probation department.
“Then, that list was hand-culled by supervising probation officers for offenders who scored the highest on a `Static 99′ test, which measures the risk for re-offending,” Lin said.
Authorities were looking for violations such as possession of paraphernalia used to entice and lure children, Lin said. Violations may
include costumes, candy, Halloween decor, pornography, drugs, weapons, and the presence of children in the homes, she said.
