Lake Charles Police Department Chief Shawn Caldwell, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Sheriff-Elect Stitch Guillory, Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter and several Lake Charles City Council members are asking members of the community to help them curb youth violence in the area.

The group of officials stood in solidarity regarding the issues of youth violence, Caldwell said. The message was clear: Every corner of the community needs to take action to mitigate rising violence amongst local youth.

Juvenile crime has seen an uptick in recent months, with multiple school threats and fights taking place on Calcasieu campuses. The violence came to a head at the end of October after six individuals — four of whom are juveniles — were shot and injured at a house party.

Calwell said while law enforcement will continue work to solve violent youth crimes and find innovative ways to prevent future crime, they cannot do it alone.

“Law enforcement is going to work from ‘can to can’t’ to solve any of these crimes, but we are asking for the public’s help. … We don’t believe that our community accepts this, in any way, shape or form. All that we’re asking is let’s come together and find some solutions.”

Hunter seconded this, stating that though “there is not a formula that says if you do x, y and z, you eliminate youth violence in a community,” law enforcement and the city will continue to collaborate to find solutions, alongside community members.

“This is not going to become something that we are going to allow or become the norm in this city. It happens in other communities on a more regular basis, but this is Lake Charles. This entire community has to come together and take ownership of this community and take ownership of this issue.”

Council Vice President Craig Marks, District F, said it will take a village willing to take action to enact change.

“If we’re going to change anything in Lake Charles, we’re going to have to change the culture. The community has to help. We have a responsibility for Lake Charles and the protection of our citizens just as the police department does.”

He said the community could take action by being mindful of neighborhood happenings and large gatherings at night, and by utilizing personal residential cameras when necessary.

Councilman Ronnie Harvey Jr., District A, said it is vital that officials, officers and adults in the community work to bridge the generational gap between adults and the youth.

“We first have to admit that the village is broken. We have a huge disconnect as far as the age variable between the older generation and the younger generation. We have to start meeting these kids where they are instead of expecting them where they’re not.”

Parents can directly help by sitting with their children to have an open and hosted conversation about “the foolish decision that takes seconds to accomplish” and the long-lasting consequences that affect both perpetrators and victims, Hunter said.

He also encouraged parents to ensure they have access to their children’s social media accounts and technology.

“If you’re not doing that, you could be missing some of those very in your face signs.”

Guillory noted that many minors will post threats on their social media accounts – TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), etc.

“For a lot of kids, that’s their way of life.”

He said direct parent involvement will curb youth violence, and said parents need to know where their kids are located, who they are with and what they are doing.

A major way the community can assist law enforcement is by locking vehicles holding personal firearms. Guillory said many of the guns used in violent youth crimes have been stolen from unlocked vehicles.

“That’s how these kids are getting these guns, unlocked car doors. … If you’re not going to lock your cars, take your weapons out of there. We see it every week in this parish, and that shouldn’t happen.”

Caldwell said that signs of concern can vary from child to child, but they will be noticeable to those closest to them.

“If you’re close to these kids, and you’re involved in their lives, you’re going to pick up on them.”

He said that if non-criminal, but concerning or catalytic behavior is occurring, the Office of Juvenile Justice Services has an “abundance” of resources.

Guillory also directed parents to the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC), which offers youth services to keep at-risk youth ages 6 through 18 out of the juvenile justice system.

Any suspicious or concerning behavior and be anonymously reported via 911.

City Council President Mark Eckard, District G, Councilman Rodney Geyen, District C, and Councilwoman Lubertha W. August, District B, were also present to ask the community for help.