NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Department of Correction says it has launched Operation Blackout, an annual initiative to protect trick-or-treaters from registered sex offenders.

A TDOC statement says probation parole officers have teamed up with local police to conduct random visits and compliance checks across the state to make sure that sex offenders are following strict guidelines for the Halloween season.

During the first night, officers checked on 300 sex offenders, which resulted in one arrest, one citation, and four violations. TDOC says it plans to check on 3,500 sex offenders statewide through Oct. 31.

October 31st restrictions for sex offenders include:

  • Will remain in their homes between the hours of 6:00p.m-6:00a.m.
  • Will not have porch lights on as is the custom to participate in trick-or-treating.
  • Will not open their doors for trick-or-treaters.
  • Will only open their doors for law enforcement or probation and parole officers.
  • Will not be allowed to display fall decorations.
  • Will not be allowed to wear costumes or dress in disguise.

In 2014, TDOC probation parole officers conducted more than 3,000 checks on sex offenders during Operation Blackout.