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Perry council broadens criminal trespass rules to cover disruptive conduct in public places
Summary
The council adopted an ordinance expanding municipal trespass rules to allow citation of disruptive or disorderly persons in public buildings or places and added a new municipal criminal trespass section mirroring state law to allow municipal citations in lieu of district court filings.
The Perry City Council voted to amend the municipal code to broaden trespass on public property and to add a municipal criminal trespass section aligned with state law.
City Attorney Bryce explained the change would allow officers to cite individuals for trespass even where a sign is not posted when a person is engaging in disorderly conduct, creating a safety risk or otherwise disturbing the peace. He said the same change formalizes a common practice — notifying a person not to return to a private business or location and citing them if they do — but makes it enforceable in municipal court under an explicit ordinance rather than handling such cases only in district court.
Councilmembers and staff discussed First Amendment auditors and the practical need to give police discretion and training so officers do not improperly restrict lawful behavior. The city attorney said the ordinance is intended to be consistent with state law limits and to provide municipal court remedies for repeat incidents that previously required district‑court filing.
The ordinance was adopted by roll call and the emergency clause was approved during the meeting. Staff said police will receive guidance on the new municipal code language and use of discretion in responding to public‑place incidents.
