News  Hampden Superior Court Probation participated in Operation Lights Out Halloween initiative

Hampden Superior Court Probation Officers made unannounced visits to the residences of more than 20 level 2 and level 3 sex offenders or individuals convicted of sex crimes as part of the Massachusetts Probation Service-established “Operation Lights Out” initiative. The goal was to enforce the court-ordered conditions of probation and to also ensure that sex offenders do not open their doors to trick-or-treaters.

This year, for the first time, the Hampden County Sheriff assigned two officers in cruisers to accompany the Probation Officers.

The Hampden team of Probation Officers—Roy Weldon, Kerry-Ann Crichton, Milagros Morales, and Christopher Medina—traveled to Springfield, Holyoke, and  West Springfield with PO Weldon taking the lead. Rosa Maldonado-Brown, Hampden Superior Court Chief Probation Officer, oversees this annual effort.

“The POs visited those areas with high pedestrian traffic and/or where we have high volume of registered sex offenders residing.  We hope that by fostering community vigilance and collaboration with our community partners, we can create a safer Halloween environment for our local children,” said Chief Maldondo-Brown.

During these visits, the Probation Officers—were equipped with Supervision sheets including probationers’ criminal record information, conditions of probation and photos—verified offenders’ current addresses and confirmed that they were in compliance with their probation conditions as set by the court.

Operation Lights Out: Officers checking on sex offenders - Source: WWLP