JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville’s Offender Tracking Unit teamed up with the U.S. Marshals Service this summer for a sweeping operation aimed at keeping registered offenders and predators in compliance — and they say the results were significant.
Dubbed Operation Riverwatch, the effort ran from June 15 to Aug. 14 and resulted in 59 arrests across the city.
Operation targets registered offenders, predators
Detectives say they logged more than 230 hours conducting 535 checks on registered offenders and predators throughout the Jacksonville area. Those checks led to the arrests of men and women ranging in age from their early 20s to their mid-70s who had violated the conditions required of them following their release from prison or jail.
“These offenders found themselves back behind bars for breaking the rules,” the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
What Florida law requires of registered offenders
Under Florida law, registered offenders must comply with strict requirements designed to protect communities. Violating those requirements — depending on the nature of the offense — can result in felony criminal charges and additional registration obligations.
The 59 people arrested during Operation Riverwatch ranged in age from 21 to 76.
How to report a violation
Anyone who suspects a registered offender or predator is violating their requirements is encouraged to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at 904-630-0500.
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