Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig announced that earlier this month, Yolo County law enforcement conducted surprise compliance checks on over 340 sexual offenders. “Operation Vigilance” is a program that started seven years ago with the goal to protect Yolo County citizens by ensuring that sex offenders who live in the County are complying with all laws and probation directives. The Yolo County District Attorney’s Office coordinated Operation Vigilance in collaboration with all other Yolo County law enforcement agencies.

Over 90 law-enforcement personnel from 11 local, state, and federal agencies participated in this joint operation. Many of the targeted offenders were previously convicted of rape, child molestation, or possession of child pornography. Overall, 98 percent of the sex offenders investigated were in compliance. One sex offender contacted was arrested for weapon and drug violations. An additional six of these offenders are the subject of further investigation to determine whether or not they are in compliance.

One unique aspect of Operation Vigilance is that while officers are making home visits with registered sex offenders, forensic examiners search the offender’s computers, smart phones, and other digital storage devices for potential violations. Computer forensic investigators from the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and Department of Homeland Security worked together to conduct these specialized searches. A total of 64 devices were searched and one item was seized for further examination.

District Attorney Jeff Reisig praised the efforts of all Yolo County law-enforcement agencies that monitor sex offenders. “For the second year in a row, we were able to demonstrate that these supervision efforts have resulted in a 98 percent compliance rate for sex offenders living in Yolo County,” said Reisig. “Operation Vigilance continues to serve as an additional deterrent to those known sex offenders who may be prone to re-offend.”