Joint Crash Team Operation Checks Sex Offenders

Hunt County Law Enforcement agencies joined in an unprecedented joint operation Tuesday night in a Crash Team operation to check sex offenders who were on probation or parole.

Hunt County Sheriff Randy Meeks called for the operation and coordinated the efforts of officers from all participating agencies. The officers and agencies included West Tawakoni Police Sgt. John Beckett, Precinct 4 Constable Kent Layton and Deputy Constable Bobby Essary, Hunt County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville Police Department and Commerce Police Department as well as parole and probation officers.

Officers met at 6 p.m. at the sheriff’s office for briefing and training "to learn details of the operation, receive appropriate forms and be assigned to teams."

All of the offenders visited were under supervision, either on probation or parole. The officers were instructed, "All suspected probation or parole violations will be documented and reported, then forwarded to the appropriate agency."

Depending on the offenses, violations included possession of alcohol or drugs, pornography, have children present or have internet access.

Teams of four officers spread out across the county and made unannounced calls on sex offenders. Officers went to the homes, asked to search the premises and completed an extensive information gathering on each.

Officers were told, "If any alleged violation of probation is noted, please photograph and document it, complete an incident report and it will be forwarded to the appropriate agency."

They were also instructed, "Be aware of drugs or drug paraphernalia. Secondary offenses to the compliance check (narcotics, stolen property, etc.) are the responsibility of any officer who discovers it. Make any appropriate arrests.

"Look for children’s toys and clothing in plain view and in closets. It is often a violation of probation or parole to be around children. Document these items with photographs and complete the appropriate offense report. It is a violation of probation or parole to live with another known felon. You may run investigative CCH checks of all persons living in the residence. Document any violation and complete the appropriate offense report."

The first residence contacted by Team 4 was located off Northshore Road between West Tawakoni and Hawk Cove. A search was conducted of the home including a canine unit. The ownership of some items were questioned including a pornographic CD.

The next location was in far east Hunt County where a search was conducted without discovery of offending material. The third on the team’s list was on State Highway 34, south of Quinlan.

The operation was ended at almost 10 p.m.