VADOC Officers Working to Keep Halloween Safe for Families

Agency News

October 30, 2026

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA — Probation & Parole (P&P) Officers across the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) are taking proactive measures to ensure Halloween (Saturday, October 31) is safe for families across the Commonwealth.

P&P district offices and the Sex Offender Programs and Monitoring Unit (SOPMU) are collaborating with the Virginia State Police Sex Offender Investigative Unit and participating local law enforcement agencies for “Operation Porch Lights Out,” to remind sex offenders under community supervision of their behavioral expectations on Halloween.

Some district offices will also participate in “Trick Nor Treat”, in which probationers and parolees will report to a designated location on Halloween night.

In 2025, VADOC filed 14 probation violation warrants following Halloween night compliance checks on sex offenders under community supervision. Eight warrants were filed in the Central Region, four warrants were filed in the Western Region, and two were filed in the Eastern Region.

All sex offenders under supervision have been instructed not to decorate their homes, hand out candy, or have any external lights on at their residence. Additionally, all P&P districts have established curfews for sex offenders on Halloween and will be conducting random home contacts.

Sex offenders who live in localities hosting fall festivals for children have been instructed not to attend these events. District P&P offices and the SOPMU will be checking on the sexually violent offenders under their supervision, especially those with minor victims.

“Halloween is a night for families, and our Probation & Parole officers want every child to enjoy a safe night in their communities,” said VADOC Director Joseph Walters. “Our P&P Officers live and work in the communities they serve, so they understand the importance of ensuring public safety across the Commonwealth, especially on Halloween night. If you see anything suspicious, please contact local law enforcement. Whether you are trick-or-treating or going to an event, we hope everyone has a safe weekend. We thank our corrections team members and law enforcement partners for keeping our communities safe this weekend and every weekend.”

VADOC’s Probation & Parole officers enhance public safety by helping probationers and parolees lead more pro-social lives and assist those who have been incarcerated to transition back into society after release. VADOC supervises more than 57,000 probationers and parolees in 43 districts across Virginia, and its Voice Verification Biometrics Unit. Additionally, 469 supervisees are currently participating in the VADOC’s Community Corrections Alternative Program. More information about community supervision at the VADOC can be found on the Department’s website: https://vadoc.virginia.gov/inmates-and-supervisees/community-supervision/probation-parole/.