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As summer approaches, the LaGrange Police Department is excited to welcome a season full of outdoor fun. Whether it’s swimming, fishing, boating, or camping, LaGrange offers a variety of ways to enjoy the warm weather. LPD also extends their sincere congratulations to all local high school and college graduates. LPD is  proud of your accomplishments and wishes you success in all your future endeavors.

With the summer season, however, often comes a rise in certain public safety issues. Over the past years, LaGrange has experienced a 5% increase in crime during the summer months. To help keep our community safe and informed, LPD is asking everyone to take a moment to review important laws, ordinances, and safety reminders.

Proactive Crime Suppression Operations

In response to seasonal crime trends, the LaGrange Police Department will be conducting strategic crime suppression operations throughout the city during the summer months. These efforts are guided by real-time crime data and historical patterns and may include:

• Directed patrols in high-activity areas
• Increased visibility in neighborhoods, parks, and shopping centers
• Specialized units targeting specific offenses, including thefts, burglaries, and drug activity
• Collaboration with community partners to address quality-of-life concerns

These operations are designed to prevent criminal activity before it occurs and to ensure a safe environment for all residents and visitors. LPD encourages community members to stay informed, report suspicious activity and work with them to keep LaGrange safe.

Youth Curfew Ordinance

LaGrange enforces a year-round curfew for anyone 16 years old and under. The curfew is in effect from 12:00 midnight to 6:00 a.m.

Minors must remain off public streets and spaces during these hours unless one of the following exceptions applies:

• Accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
• Running an emergency errand directed by a parent
• Returning directly home from a school-sponsored or approved event
• Coming home from a place of lawful employment
• Coming home from an activity involving exercising First Amendment rights (e.g., free speech, religion, assembly)
• Traveling through the city by vehicle without stopping

Violations can result in juvenile charges, and parents may also be held accountable under City Code 35-1-27 regarding parental responsibility and curfew compliance.

Parental Responsibility Ordinances

Parents or guardians may be cited under City Code 35-1-30 if a child between 6 and 16 years old commits a status offense or delinquent act due to a lack of supervision.

Consequences for violations of either code include:

• Fines up to $1,000
• Court-ordered community service
• Potential jail time

Teen Driving Laws – Class D License Restrictions

With more teens driving during summer break, it’s important to know the rules for those with a Class D provisional driver’s license:

• No driving between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m.—no exceptions.
• First 6 months: Only immediate family members may ride as passengers
• Second 6 months: Only one (1) passenger under age 21 who is not a family member is allowed
• After 12 months: Up to three (3) passengers under 21 (non-family) are allowed
• At 18, drivers may apply for a Class C license
• Drivers under 18 can lose their license if they withdraw from school, accumulate 10 unexcused absences, or have certain conduct violations

Safe Driving & Georgia’s Hands-Free Law

Everyone plays a role in keeping our roads safe:

• Always wear seat belts—in every seat, in every vehicle
• Avoid distractions: Looking at a phone for 5 seconds at 55 MPH equals the length of a football field—essentially driving blindfolded
• Under Georgia law, drivers with a Class C license or who are age 18 or older may not use a wireless device to write, send, or read text-based communications while driving

Exceptions include:

• Reporting emergencies, accidents, or crimes
• Public utility workers and emergency responders acting within their duties

Use Tip411 to Stay Connected and Report Concerns

You are the eyes and ears of our community. If you see something suspicious, hear something concerning, or want to submit an anonymous tip, Tip411 is a fast, secure and anonymous way to communicate with the LaGrange Police Department.

To submit a tip:

• Text “LAGRANGE” followed by your message to 847411
• Or use the free Tip411 app, available for download on iOS and Android

Your identity remains anonymous, and your tip could help prevent a crime or keep someone safe.

Let’s work together to make this summer safe, memorable and fun for everyone. Whether on the water, on the road, or in your neighborhood, safety starts with awareness and smart choices. With community cooperation and active enforcement, we can keep LaGrange a safe and welcoming place for all.