As many of you have likely noticed through local news and social media, juvenile issues appear to be increasing. Much of what is being seen is driven by increased visibility through social media and scanner apps, where nearly every police call is shared publicly in real time. In many cases, the initial information broadcast over dispatch is limited or based on what is reported at the time, and it does not always reflect what officers ultimately find when they arrive on scene. While we have seen a slight increase in juvenile-related incidents, the constant exposure can make the issue appear larger than it actually is. Most of these increased incidents involve disturbances, curfew violations, and disorderly conduct.

At the same time, we have seen some increases in certain types of more serious juvenile offenses, including vehicle thefts and gun-related crimes. Williamsport is not alone in this. Departments in other cities, townships, and boroughs are dealing with the same issues. 

We understand these incidents are concerning to the community and we take those concerns seriously. Our officers work hard every day to address these issues, but the reality is we cannot be everywhere at once, nor can we predict when or where problems will occur. While adding more officers is always helpful, there is no number of officers that can completely prevent these incidents from happening.

When enforcement action is taken, including arrests, those cases are turned over to the court system. The police department does not control the outcome. The courts have their own procedures and guidelines they must follow. Like many of you, we share the frustration when juveniles are released and continue to reoffend.

It is important to understand that law enforcement responds after incidents occur. By the time officers arrive on scene, the action has already taken place. We investigate, provide assistance when needed, and take appropriate enforcement action. While we are committed to public safety and do everything we can within our role, police alone cannot prevent or solve these issues.

Addressing juvenile crime and repeat offenses requires involvement beyond law enforcement. Parents, guardians, schools, and community organizations all play a role in prevention, accountability, and guidance.

The long-term solution to these issues starts at home. Too often, the juveniles we encounter lack structure, guidance, and accountability. While our officers do their best to positively interact with our youth, we cannot fix in a few minutes what may have taken years to develop. Parents and guardians play the most important role and must take that responsibility seriously. Under Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 Section 509, parents do have the authority to reasonably discipline their children.

We also need the public’s help in reporting juvenile-related complaints. If you observe suspicious behavior, disturbances, or juveniles out past curfew, please call the police. Provide descriptions when possible, including clothing and direction of travel. If you are willing, leave your contact information so officers can follow up. Calls from individuals willing to be contacted are often more helpful and can be addressed more quickly than anonymous reports. Make sure to also lock your vehicles and keep your firearms secured within your residences.

Our department will continue to take these issues seriously. You will see increased bike patrols and foot patrols, along with strict, zero-tolerance enforcement of curfew laws. We will also pursue holding parents and guardians accountable under the law, when appropriate, for actions involving juveniles under their care, and continue to work with schools and community partners to proactively address these issues.

This is a community issue, and it will take a community effort to address it. We remain committed to keeping our neighborhoods safe and working with residents to improve the quality of life in our city.