Halloween is this coming Thursday night. That said, make sure your children are safe and search the TBI map of Sex Offenders ahead of time.
The TBI has issued a warning to "know before you go" in terms of knowing the whereabouts of registered sex offenders.
If you want to search for registered sex offenders in the area, we have a link you can check by clicking here (https://tnmap.tn.gov/sor/), this allows you to view addresses in map form.
OPERATION BLACKOUT:
The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) supervises more than 20-thousand inmates and nearly 80-thousand offenders on community supervision. Nearly 3,500 of those under community supervision are registered sex offenders.
While Operation Blackout is an extra layer of accountability during the Halloween season, TDOC has strict rules regarding sex offenders that must be enforced daily. According to Correctional Administrator Sue Siedentop, "Our officers do a great job ensuring that offenders adhere to the conditions of their supervision. But during Halloween - when thousands of children are going to be going door to door - our officers will be out in the community to make sure that these kids have a safe night."
During Halloween, sex offenders under TDOC supervision are informed of a very specific set of rules they must follow. They include:
• Being in their homes by 6 p.m.
• Not having any Halloween décor
• Keeping their porch light off
• Not distributing Halloween candy
• Not attending any Halloween functions (Hallelujah Night, Harvest Festivals, etc.)
TDOC Officers will canvas the area and visit more than 3,500 offenders to ensure compliance.
LOCAL TRICK OR TREATING:
This year, Halloween falls on a Thursday so kids will be going door to door in local neighborhoods Thursday evening.
One of the traditions that started many years ago is trick or treating on the Murfreesboro square. Thom Christy at Shacklett's Photography, which is directly across the street from the Rutherford County Courthouse, told WGNS they buy pounds and pounds of candy for the annual event...
Children will begin trick or treating on the square at 3:00, October 31st. Local businesses typically end passing out candy to ghosts and goblins at 6PM. The event is free.
Safe LOCAL EVENTS in Murfreesboro Area:
• You can also trick or treat at the Cannonsburgh Village in Murfreesboro. There, the festivities will be from 2PM to 4PM on Halloween. Hay rides, face painting and candy will be a part of the action for only $2 per person.
• Halloween fun will also be held outside of Oakland's Mansion on North Maney Avenue in Murfreesboro. There, the event will be from 4PM to 6PM on the 31st. The event is free and open to everyone.
• Trunk or Treat will happen this year at Belaire Baptist Church in Murfreesboro. Hundreds of people will visit the church from 6PM to 8PM for free. The church is at 1307 N Rutherford Blvd. near MTSU.