Full Notification

Community Safety Reminder from the Janesville Police Department

The Janesville Police Department has recently received complaints regarding the annual "Nerf War" games played by high school students in our community. While these activities may seem harmless and fun, they have led to incidents that highlight potential dangers and misunderstandings.
 
In past years, these games have resulted in traffic accidents, trespassing, disorderly conduct, and public nudity. More recently, reports have surfaced of participants entering residences that do not belong to them—sometimes while carrying Nerf guns that could easily be mistaken for real weapons. These actions have led to confrontations between participants and concerned residents, creating unnecessary fear and potential danger.
 
We want to remind everyone that these behaviors pose serious risks. A Nerf gun, though intended for play, could be misinterpreted as a real weapon, potentially leading to dangerous situations, panic, or law enforcement intervention.
 
Know the risks. Any illegal activities associated with these games—such as trespassing, disorderly conduct, or public nudity—will be investigated and may result in legal consequences.
We encourage parents to talk with their children about responsible behavior and the potential dangers of these activities. Students, please be mindful of your actions, respect private property, and avoid situations that could cause alarm or confusion.
 
If you see suspicious or concerning behavior, please report it to the Rock County Communications Center at 608-757-2244.
 

Incident Number:

Location:

By: Sgt. Benjamin Thompson

Date: 03/12/2025

Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3:6 Trial Publicity, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.