Alabama Police Respond After High Schoolers Covered Police HQ With Toilet Paper In Overnight Prank
HEFLIN, ALABAMA — What started as a classic senior prank quickly turned into a friendly back-and-forth between students and police in Heflin, Alabama. After local high school seniors from the Class of 2026 covered the Heflin Police Department in toilet paper during an overnight stunt, officers decided to return the favor — with a little humor of their own.
A Classic Prank With a Police Twist
According to Explain News, officers arrived at their station last week to find squad cars and the front entrance completely draped in toilet paper, courtesy of the graduating seniors. Instead of handing out citations, Police Chief Ross McGlaughn promised a lighthearted payback.
A few nights later, the department made good on that promise. Chief McGlaughn, joined by officers from nearby towns, quietly rolled several students’ homes in toilet paper — calling it a “good-natured response” that kept the spirit of the prank alive.
Photos shared by the department show officers laughing together before setting out, describing the effort as “team bonding with a sense of humor.”
“All in Good Fun,” Says Chief McGlaughn
Chief McGlaughn told local media that the exchange was all in fun and that no arrests or disciplinary action were taken.
“These kids had a good time with their prank, and we wanted to show them the police can have fun too,” McGlaughn said. “It’s all about keeping the relationship between law enforcement and the community strong — and sometimes that means a little toilet paper.”
Residents who witnessed the prank war praised both sides for their sense of humor and community spirit. One parent wrote on Facebook, “This is the kind of small-town connection we need — kids having fun, police joining in, and everyone laughing about it the next day.”
Social Media Applauds the Small-Town Humor
Photos of the toilet-papered patrol cars and officers prepping their “strike back” quickly spread on social media, earning thousands of likes and comments. Users applauded the department for not taking the joke too seriously and for turning the situation into a bonding moment.
“This is small-town America at its best,” one commenter wrote. “Where else do you see cops TPing houses instead of writing tickets?”
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A Harmless Tradition That Keeps the Community Close
While senior pranks sometimes lead to vandalism or legal trouble, Heflin’s approach kept the event lighthearted and community-oriented. By embracing the fun, officers turned what could have been a tense moment into one filled with laughter and mutual respect.
Chief McGlaughn ended his post with a simple message: “Class of 2026 — we see you. But don’t think we’ve forgotten!”
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Naperville is a community with stories that deserve to be told — both the serious ones about safety and justice, and the lighter ones that capture our culture and daily life. I focus on covering crime reports and court updates while also highlighting the traditions, events, and social trends that shape who we are. Through my reporting, I want to give readers a fuller picture of Naperville — the challenges we face and the character that keeps our city strong.