Effingham County deputies target 114 sex offender addresses for Halloween week

EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) — Effingham County Sheriff’s deputies began checking addresses of registered sex offenders before sunrise Monday as part of Operation Watchful Eye, a statewide effort during Halloween week.

Law enforcement agencies across the state took part in the effort, which continues through Nov. 2.

11th year of participation

This is the 11th year Effingham County Sheriff’s deputies have participated in Operation Watchful Eye. A spokesman for the sheriff’s office said the response has been positive.

“It also gives the parents and the kids a peace of mind that they don’t really have to worry about anything happening while they’re out trick-or-treating,” said Brian Bailey, Effingham County PIO.

Deputies use Operation Watchful Eye to verify addresses, check compliance and arrest convicted sex offenders who are not following registration rules. Deputies said the operation is non-invasive and they are not going out looking to make arrests.

Early morning checks

This year, deputies from various shifts started saturating all parts of Effingham County at 5:30 a.m. Monday.

“This early in the morning, we can catch a lot of them at home before they leave for work... I will be going out all throughout the week getting the ones that we don’t get this morning,” said Deputy Sheriff Cathy Dillard, Sex Offenders Division.

Dillard said the goal this year is to check 114 addresses, down from 146 last year. She said the Georgia Sheriff’s Association makes no mention of doing Operation Watchful Eye specifically for Halloween, but some find the timing fitting.

“With us doing this all week they’ll know we’ve made sure that everybody is where they’re supposed to be and sex offenders on probation are required to report to this office during trick or treat hours,” Dillard said.

Dillard said deputies will be out all week following up on sex offenders they missed Monday morning.