City Officials Address Rising Concerns Over Youth-Related Public Safety Issues

Community Leaders Call for Unified Action to Promote Safe and Positive Environments for All

 

Lafayette, Oregon - June 3, 2025

 

City officials and community leaders are responding to growing concerns from residents and business owners regarding a recent increase in unruly behavior and sometimes illegal actions among some youth in public areas. Reports of disturbances, loitering, and unsafe conduct have prompted a collaborative effort to address the issue.

It is time to reach out to the residents, the community at large, and especially parents to tackle this growing issue and collaborate to keep our town safe and enjoyable for all.

 

We want the public to know we are taking these issues seriously and working collaboratively between the city, Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, and other community entities, such as the administrative team at Wascher Elementary School, to work together to build teamwork to tackle these issues. We will be working together to implement a multi-faceted response that includes:

• Increased community patrols. We will continue to identify and evaluate hot spots to ensure a visible, supportive presence.
• Community forums and listening sessions. Please watch for a date to be announced to join your mayor and YSCO leadership in a listening session town hall as we move forward
• “See it report it” tools The City and Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office realized the importance of making sure everyone knows quickly how to report an issue and will be increasing our communication outlets to “get the information out there” on how to report issues.

 

We want to meet our young people where they are and help guide them toward making better choices, this proactive approach as we enter the summer months can’t just be reactive to inappropriate behavior. This is about building relationships, setting expectations, and holding everyone accountable—including ourselves as community leaders, parents, and neighbors.

Parents are asked to discuss with their youth how they can alert adults to concerning behavior and/or bullying and discuss with their youth the expectations and consequences they can expect if they make inappropriate and sometimes illegal choices.

 

Residents are encouraged to report concerns through the YCSO non-emergency line at 503-434-6500 and to report vandalism to the city through our app “Our Lafayette,” Our website contact us tab, or emailing city hall at admin@lafayetteroregon.gov  and to participate in upcoming town hall meetings where community feedback will be critical in shaping next steps.

 

Summertime is a break from the routine and daily demands of school, and we want to encourage youth to be active, recreate, and enjoy the beautiful summer weather.  The recent incidents of public disturbances, fights, and vandalism or public and private property are concerning, and deputies have investigated every criminal report we have received, resulting in some referrals to the Yamhill County Juvenile Department and arrests for criminal violations.  We work to be approachable, to be present, and available to answer questions and build trust.  We are thankful for the support we enjoy, and will continue working to ensure the safety of all in Lafayette, and protect property from damage or vandalism”- Yamhill County Sheriff Sam Elliott

 

“To the young people of our city: I want to speak to you directly—not just as your mayor, but as someone who believes in your potential and your power to shape the future of Lafayette. You are valued, your voice matters, and your energy can build a city and community we can all be proud of. But let me be clear: unruly behavior and illegal activity will not be tolerated. These choices impact and sometimes harm not only you, but your neighbors, your families, and the future we all share. We cannot afford to look away while a few bad decisions risk the safety, dignity, and progress of our neighborhoods, and I have made my support clear to city staff and our sheriffs' department that I support taking action when necessary to hold you accountable. If you choose a path of destruction, there will be consequences. If you choose a path of contribution, we will walk it with you. I challenge you to be good stewards of your community. The choice is yours. I believe you’ll make the right one."  Mayor, Hilary Malcomson

 

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