The Friendswood Police Department has responded to several calls for service involving juveniles engaging in “Nerf wars.” The calls have included reckless driving, suspicious or potentially alarming behavior.
We understand this game is intended to be recreational, however, the Friendswood Police Department urges participants to remain mindful of community safety and public perception. Officers have been advised to verify the nature of the activity before initiating contact and encourage respectful, lawful behavior. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity but to also consider the possibility of non-threatening games like this one.
While the activity is not criminal in nature, many residents have been alarmed by seeing participants with toy blasters sometimes modified in appearance and acting in ways that may appear suspicious to bystanders. This includes hiding, running through neighborhoods, or following others in vehicles.
For those participating in Nerf Wars, we offers the following safety tips:
– Never play the game in or near a moving vehicle, whether as a driver or passenger.
-Use caution when playing on public property or in neighborhoods and be respectful of others who are using public spaces.
-Stick to using brightly colored Nerf guns that are obviously not real firearms – never use replica guns in public places.
-If you encounter police while in possession of a Nerf-type gun, put it down immediately and follow the officers’ instructions.
For questions or concerns, please contact the Friendswood Police Department at 281-996-3300
