WOODLAND, CA (MPG) - This week, Yolo County law enforcement conducted compliance checks and address verifications on more than 300 registered sex offenders.

The “Operation Vigilance” program was started 15 years ago with the goal to protect Yolo County citizens by ensuring that those who must register as sex offenders who live in the county are complying with all laws and applicable parole or probation directives.

More than 60 law enforcement personnel from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Davis Police, Yolo County Probation, Woodland Parole Unit, California Department of Justice, U.S. Courts Federal Probation, Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, Yolo County Sheriff’s Office, West Sacramento Police, Winters Police and the Woodland Police participated in this joint operation. Additionally, the Yolo County IT GIS Division provided key support to the operation.

Many of the individuals required to register were previously convicted of rape, child molestation or possession of child pornography. Law enforcement personnel went to the residence on file of every registered sex offender with a physical address in Yolo County.

One aspect of “Operation Vigilance” is that while officers are making the home visits, forensic examiners search the computers, smart phones, and other digital storage devices for potential violations. Computer forensic investigators from the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office High Technology Unit and examiners from other participating agencies worked together to conduct these specialized searches.

Additionally, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation provided eight K-9 officers with canines trained specifically to detect electronics to enhance these searches. During the operation, 92 electronic devices were searched and an additional 16 electronic items were seized for further forensic examination.

Approximately 5% of registered sex offenders within Yolo County were found to be out of compliance with their sex offender registration requirements, which will result in additional investigation by law enforcement. Four offenders on parole were arrested for various violations by officers participating in this operation.

“Operation Vigilance is an example of Yolo County law enforcement’s commitment to collaboration,” said Yolo County Sheriff Tom Lopez. “I am proud of the dedicated group of professionals who carried out this mission in an effort to keep our communities safe.”

District Attorney Jeff Reisig praised the efforts of all Yolo County law enforcement agencies that continuously monitor these individuals.

“We conducted a compliance check of 100% of the sex offenders that have a permanent address and the good news is that 95% were in compliance,” Reisig said. “Operation Vigilance continues to serve as an additional deterrent to those who must register as sex offenders who may be prone to re-offend.”