“Operation Sandman” is Putting Juvenile Crime to Sleep in Bradenton

BRADENTON -- Since June, there has been a reduction of certain crimes in the City of Bradenton. There was a 5 percent decrease in burglaries, a 2.5 percent decrease in thefts, while vehicle thefts dropped by 14 percent. These statistics are compared to records from this time last year.

Police say changes are due to combined efforts from the Bradenton Police Department and the Manatee County Office of Juvenile Probation. Together they have created what they’re calling “Operation Sandman.” This operation requires that officers visit the homes of juvenile offenders in the area, to ensure that they are home by curfew.

Detectives determined that juvenile offenders, who are free while their court proceedings are pending, are committing many of the crimes in the City of Bradenton. “Operation Sandman” is an effort to prevent these crimes from happening.

Curfew approaches, and there is the expected knock at the door. “Operation Sandman” has arrived. Detectives, along with patrol officers, are paying nightly visits to the juveniles’ homes, making sure that they are not out and about past curfew.

This clampdown started June 1 and will remain routine. Juvenile offenders are released from detention centers under the condition that they remain inside during nighttime hours. “Operation Sandman” is making sure that they are fulfilling the court agreements.

“The goal is to have all juvenile offenders on conditional release abide by their conditions, and ensure a safe and crime free environment for law abiding citizens while reducing recidivism by these offenders.” said Deputy Chief J. J. Lewis in a release.

Records show that the operation has been successful. During the first two weeks of curfew checks, five juveniles were not present for that knock at the door. As a result of breaking their conditions with the court, they were arrested.

With police and parents partnered together, there is hope to see crime in the City of Bradenton decline, and to see less recidivism for juveniles.