To ensure the safety of trick-or-treaters, several counties are enacting “Operation Porch Lights Out,” a mandate requiring registered sex offenders to leave their porch lights off and not hand out candy. The measure applies to sex offenders either on probation or parole. For parents, that means teaching children which houses to avoid. “I think it’s a good thing,” says Dale City resident Diane Nesmeyer. “The kids do stay away from the houses that don’t have the porch light on.”
Officers in Prince William County and others will be making visits to the homes of registered sex offenders to ensure their lights have been left off. Counties participating in the operation include Prince William, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudon and Stafford.