Sheriff Charles R. Guillory Issues Guidance on Senior/Junior Wars, Freshman Initiation Activities, and Homecoming Pranks

Ville Platte, Louisiana - As homecoming season and traditional school activities approach, the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office wants to remind students, parents, and community members that while school spirit, friendly competition, and harmless fun can be positive experiences, criminal behavior disguised as a "prank" will not be tolerated.

Sheriff Charles R. Guillory encourages all students participating in Senior Wars, Junior Wars, Freshman Initiation activities, and Homecoming-related events to exercise good judgment and understand the difference between harmless fun and criminal conduct.

"We understand that many of these traditions have been part of the high school experience for years. However, no game, prank, challenge, or social media trend excuses unlawful behavior. Students must remember that actions that may seem like harmless fun can quickly result in criminal charges, property damage, injuries, or serious consequences that can follow them into adulthood."

ACCEPTABLE ACTIVITIES:

The Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office encourages students to engage in safe, respectful, and lawful activities such as:

* Decorating vehicles or lockers with removable materials when permission has been granted.
* Wearing costumes or themed clothing approved by school administration.
* Organizing scavenger hunts on public property or approved locations.
* Friendly competitions approved by school officials.
* Water gun competitions conducted in approved areas and in accordance with school and local rules.
* School spirit activities that do not interfere with traffic, businesses, residences, or public safety.
* Posting signs, banners, or decorations only with the property owner's permission.

ACTIVITIES THAT ARE ABSOLUTELY NOT ALLOWED:

The following actions may result in criminal charges, civil liability, school discipline, and possible arrest:

Vehicle-Related Offenses

* Opening or entering another person's vehicle.
* Attempting to unlock or access a vehicle without permission.
* Hiding inside or underneath vehicles.
* Tampering with vehicles in any way.
* Removing items from vehicles.
* Property Damage

* Spray painting or marking property.
* Egging houses, vehicles, or businesses.
* Throwing flour, paint, grease, syrup, or other substances onto property.
* Damaging landscaping, mailboxes, signs, fences, or decorations.
* Defacing school property.
* Theft and Burglary

* Stealing signs, decorations, personal belongings, or school property.
* Taking items from yards, porches, garages, or businesses.
* Entering buildings, sheds, garages, or other structures without permission.
* Taking another student's possessions as part of a prank.
 *Trespassing

* Entering private property without permission.
* Concealing oneself on another person's property.
* Entering businesses, schools, churches, farms, or restricted areas after hours.
* Ignoring requests to leave private property.
* Dangerous Conduct

* Blocking roadways or traffic.
* Running in traffic or creating hazards for motorists.
* Chasing vehicles or pedestrians.
* Climbing on rooftops, water towers, utility structures, or construction sites.
* Possessing fireworks, weapons, or dangerous objects.
* Engaging in any activity that could result in injury to yourself or others.
* Harassment and Cyber conduct

* Threatening, intimidating, or bullying others.
* Posting personal information online to target individuals.
* Damaging reputations through false allegations or social media harassment.
* Encouraging unlawful acts through social media platforms.

PARENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO BE INVOLVED:

Sheriff Guillory urges parents and guardians to know where their children are, who they are with, and what activities they are participating in.

"Parents should understand that many of these events are organized through social media and group messaging platforms. Talk with your children about making smart decisions and the serious consequences that can result from poor choices. What starts as a joke can quickly become a criminal investigation."

CONSEQUENCES CAN BE SERIOUS

Students should understand that actions committed during these events can lead to:

* Criminal charges.
* Arrests and juvenile court proceedings.
* Restitution for damaged property.
* Civil lawsuits.
* School disciplinary action.
* Suspension from extracurricular activities.
* Loss of scholarships or future opportunities.

OUR MESSAGE TO STUDENTS

The Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office supports school spirit and positive traditions. We encourage students to create memories, celebrate their schools, and participate in activities that are safe, respectful, and lawful.

However, any act involving theft, trespassing, property damage, vehicle tampering, vandalism, harassment, or behavior that threatens public safety will be investigated and prosecuted accordingly.

"Have fun. Be responsible. Respect people and property. If you have to ask yourself whether it is legal or not, you probably shouldn't do it. We want all students to enjoy these traditions while ensuring everyone returns home safely."

For questions or to report criminal activity, contact the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office at (337) 363-2161.

Sheriff Charles R. Guillory
Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office
Ville Platte, Louisiana
"Protecting and Serving the Citizens of Evangeline Parish"