In announcing the initiative, known as "Operation Safe Sweets," the County Executive stated, "We will not allow convicted sex offenders to jeopardize the children of Nassau County at any time. By ensuring that these offenders comply with their probation conditions on Halloween and not have unsupervised contact with children, we will ensure that children throughout the County will enjoy a safe and happy Halloween."

The County Executive noted that Halloween presents a unique set of risks for the effective containment of sex offenders in the community. There are currently 148 registered sex offenders currently on probation in Nassau County. 62 of these individuals committed offenses involving children under the age of 16. All 148 represent a significantly greater risk to children than the general population. That risk is exacerbated on Halloween, when children may unknowingly come into contact with these offenders.

To ensure the safety of children on Halloween, the Nassau County Probation Department Sex Offense Unit initiated "Operation Safe Sweets" last week. First, the Probation Department sent a written notice to all 148 convicted sex offenders reiterating the court-mandated limitations on these offenders' contact with children. Second, teams of probation officers will be deployed throughout the County on Halloween and will make random unannounced visits to offenders' homes to verify compliance. Probationers who violate the court-ordered conditions are subject to substantial terms of imprisonment.

The County Executive concluded, "Children and their parents have the right to expect a safe and happy Halloween. Operation Safe Sweets is a key step in preventing convicted sex offenders from doing anything to jeopardize the safety of a child."