Sex offenders in Tulsa are falsely reporting themselves as homeless to hide in the shadows.
Now a task force is tackling the problem - arresting two dozen men who failed to register.
Tulsa police teamed up with the District Attorney's office and US Marshals for Operation Hide and Seek.
The goal focused on sex offenders - many claiming to be homeless - hiding from authorities.
"When we have offenders that are failing to register, just flat out not coming in, or registering at false addresses, they're hiding within the community and you don't know where they're at," Sgt. John Adams said.
The team completed eight checks of the 31 homeless registered offenders.
At least 13 are staying in a field behind 1010 North Garnett. Others were in the 11th and Sheridan area.
"It puts our children, our women, and basically our helpless people at risk of being victims and we're just not going to allow that to happen," Chief Chuck Jordan said.
Authorities arrested 24 men for failing to register as sex offenders.
Charges stemming from indecent exposure - to rape.
"Any time or anything that Tulsa Police Department can do in order to make me and my children feel safer, especially in this community, is certainly probably beneficial to the entire community," Tulsa parent, Geramey Murray said.
Parents thankful officers are keeping their kids safe, but some saying the protection should start at home.
"Good parents pay attention to their children, stay off their cell phones, and stay vigilant for sure," Murray said.
Authorities say they're already planning their next operation focusing on putting sex offenders behind bars.
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