During the month of October 2024, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Florida Department of Corrections, carried out a targeted Halloween sex offender and predator compliance operation. The initiative aimed to ensure that convicted sex offenders and predators within Polk County were adhering to Florida’s strict registration laws (FSS 775.21 & FSS 943.0435).
With over 1,400 sex offenders and 159 predators registered in the county, deputies conducted checks to confirm compliance. While Florida law mandates at least one annual check, Polk County Sheriff’s Office takes it a step further, conducting quarterly compliance reviews.
Sheriff Grady Judd emphasized the importance of these checks, stating, “if you’ve been placed on the sex offender/predator registry, we will keep track of you, and we will hold you accountable for any violations, period.”
Probation officers ensured that offenders on probation were following their restrictions, including the ban on participating in Halloween activities, such as decorating or handing out candy. During the sweep, over 160 offenders were contacted, resulting in 13 arrests and one outstanding warrant. Officers conducted 45 searches, uncovering multiple violations, including unauthorized use of the internet and unregistered social media accounts.