Perry PD

09/01/2026

A NEW MONTH — THE SAME SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY MESSAGE

As we begin September, the Perry Police Department reminds motorists that our School Zone Speed Detection System warning period continues.

The purpose of this program is to encourage compliance with posted speed limits and make the areas surrounding our schools safer.

The school-zone speed detection system operates throughout the entire school day—not only while the yellow school-zone lights are flashing. When the yellow lights are flashing, drivers must obey the reduced school-zone speed limit. When the yellow lights are not flashing, the normal posted speed limit applies, but automated speed enforcement remains active.

Don't drive by habit. Look at the signs, know the speed limit and check your speed.

08/31/2026

08/31/2026

SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY IS AN ALL-DAY RESPONSIBILITY

Morning arrival and afternoon dismissal are especially busy times around our schools, but students, employees, parents and visitors may be present throughout the school day.

Safe driving around our schools should therefore be an all-day habit.
The school-zone speed detection system operates throughout the entire school day—not only while the yellow school-zone lights are flashing. When the yellow lights are flashing, drivers must obey the reduced school-zone speed limit. When the yellow lights are not flashing, the normal posted speed limit applies, but automated speed enforcement remains active.

Please slow down, remain alert and avoid distractions. A safer school zone begins with drivers making safe choices.

08/27/2026

The Perry Police Department is asking for the communities help, and is issuing a strong public safety warning following several recent local incidents where juveniles have been using gel pellet blasters, commonly known as "Orbeez guns," to shoot at people, vehicles, and property in our community. While these items are often marketed as toys, firing gel beads at unsuspecting victims, moving vehicles, or individuals who are not participating is dangerous and illegal.

The Real Dangers and Legal Consequences

Severe Physical Injury: High-velocity gel pellets can cause painful welts, bruising, and severe eye injuries if a person is struck in the face or head.
Risk of Escalation: Brandishing or firing these replica or projectile-shooting blasters in public creates a high-stress environment. Citizens or law enforcement officers may perceive the weapon as a real firearm, putting the juveniles at extreme and unnecessary risk of severe harm.
Criminal Charges: Depending on the severity of the incident and the age of the individuals involved, shooting these devices at people or property can lead to criminal charges, including:
Battery or Aggravated Battery
Culpable Negligence
Disorderly Conduct
Criminal Mischief (for property damage)

A Direct Appeal to Parents and Guardians

The Perry Police Department urges parents and guardians to talk to their children immediately about the dangers and legal consequences of these actions.
Know Where Your Children Are: Monitor what toys or blasters your children possess and where they use them.
Establish Clear Rules: Emphasize that gel blasters must never be pointed at people, pets, or cars in public spaces.
Accountability: Parents can be held legally or civilly liable for the actions and damages caused by their minor children.

How the Community Can Help
If you witness a reckless or dangerous incident involving Orbeez guns or gel blasters in Perry, do not confront the individuals. Instead, immediately contact the Perry Police Department at [(850)584-5121 or the Taylor County Sheriff's Office Communications Center at (850)584-2429. Provide a detailed description of the individuals, their location, and the direction they are traveling.

Let us work together to keep our neighborhoods safe, prevent tragic misunderstandings, and ensure our youth make safe choices.

08/25/2026

KNOW THE LIMIT — PROTECT OUR STUDENTS

The Perry Police Department continues its public education and warning period for school-zone speed enforcement.

Remember that the applicable speed limit may change during the day. Drivers are responsible for observing the signs and knowing the posted speed limit.

The school-zone speed detection system operates throughout the entire school day—not only while the yellow school-zone lights are flashing. When the yellow lights are flashing, drivers must obey the reduced school-zone speed limit. When the yellow lights are not flashing, the normal posted speed limit applies, but automated speed enforcement remains active.

Please don't wait until you reach the school to slow down. Pay attention to signs, reduce your speed early and help us protect everyone traveling through our school zones.

08/24/2026

SLOW DOWN FOR SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY

School zones are busy places. Students may be walking, riding bicycles, entering vehicles, crossing streets or moving between school activities throughout the day.
That's why we are asking every driver to make safe driving a habit—not something we do only when we see flashing yellow lights.

The school-zone speed detection system operates throughout the entire school day—not only while the yellow school-zone lights are flashing. When the yellow lights are flashing, drivers must obey the reduced school-zone speed limit. When the yellow lights are not flashing, the normal posted speed limit applies, but automated speed enforcement remains active.

Give yourself a little extra time, reduce distractions and watch your speed.
School-zone safety starts with each of us.

08/20/2026

August 20, 2026
SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY REMINDER — THE CAMERA DOESN'T TURN OFF WHEN THE LIGHTS STOP FLASHING

One of the most important things for drivers to understand about the School Zone Speed Detection System is that enforcement is not limited to the period when the yellow school-zone lights are flashing.
The yellow lights tell you which speed limit applies. They do not determine whether the speed detection system is operating.
The school-zone speed detection system operates throughout the entire school day—not only while the yellow school-zone lights are flashing. When the yellow lights are flashing, drivers must obey the reduced school-zone speed limit. When the yellow lights are not flashing, the normal posted speed limit applies, but automated speed enforcement remains active.
School-zone safety doesn't end when the yellow lights stop flashing. Please watch your speed throughout the school day.

08/19/2026

The Perry Police Department is urging residents to practice heightened awareness following multiple reports of suspicious activity involving juveniles in several local neighborhoods throughout the city.

Over the past several days, we have received community reports of a group of juveniles riding bicycles and casing residential properties. Witnesses state the individuals are actively looking under carports and peering into open garages, appearing to seek out unsecured valuables and opportunities for theft. In response to these incidents, law enforcement is asking all community members to remain vigilant and take immediate, proactive steps to secure their property.

The police department relies heavily on the eyes and ears of the community to help keep Perry safe. Residents are reminded to never confront suspicious individuals directly. Instead, immediately report any unusual activity, unfamiliar individuals loitering on bicycles, or active security breaches to law enforcement.

08/17/2026

August 17, 2026 — Warning Period Begins
SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY — 30-DAY WARNING PERIOD BEGINS TODAY
Today, August 17, the Perry Police Department begins a 30-day warning period for the School Zone Speed Detection System.
This warning period is intended to educate drivers, encourage voluntary compliance with posted speed limits, and improve safety around our schools.
Please pay close attention to your speed throughout the school day; a few extra miles per hour can make a significant difference when children, buses, parents, and pedestrians are moving through a school zone.
The school-zone speed detection system operates throughout the entire school day—not only while the yellow school-zone lights are flashing. When the yellow lights are flashing, drivers must obey the reduced school-zone speed limit. When the yellow lights are not flashing, the normal posted speed limit applies, but automated speed enforcement remains active.
Slow down. Stay alert. Help us keep our school zones safe.

08/14/2026

August 14, 2026 — Advance Notice
SCHOOL ZONE SAFETY — SPEED DETECTION WARNING PERIOD BEGINS AUGUST 17
The Perry Police Department reminds motorists that keeping our school zones safe is everyone's responsibility. Beginning Monday, August 17, the City of Perry will begin the 30-day warning period for its School Zone Speed Detection System.
As students return to school, please slow down, stay alert, watch for children, school buses and pedestrians, and obey all posted speed limits.
The school-zone speed detection system operates throughout the entire school day—not only while the yellow school-zone lights are flashing. When the yellow lights are flashing, drivers must obey the reduced school-zone speed limit. When the yellow lights are not flashing, the normal posted speed limit applies, but automated speed enforcement remains active.
Our goal is simple: safer school zones for our children, families, school employees and everyone traveling through these areas.