Walsh on Monday officially banned the use of unmarked replica handguns in Boston’s public spaces, signing a measure that officials say will head off risky situations in which police could confuse toys for more powerful weapons.
Advertisement
Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said that he wants to educate parents on the dangers of replica guns: “These aren’t toys, these very much can injure your young child”.
The Boston City Council approved the ordinance on October 28.
“Your kid shouldn’t be running around the streets of Boston with a handgun that looks real”, said Walsh.
The ban does not go as far one put in place in NY City, which requires that all toy guns sold in city limits to be brightly colored, while NY is one of seven US states to limit sales of realistic looking toy guys, generally requiring they marks on the sides and tips of their barrels making clear that they are not real firearms.
Any fake weapons spotted by police will be confiscated. If a replica handgun is confiscated from someone under the age of 18, BPD will notify the parent or guardian that the minor was found with a replica handgun in a public space, and the parent or guardian will have the option to retrieve the replica firearm.
Mayor Walsh said that the fake guns are often nearly exact replicas of real guns, and officers are often forced to make split-second decisions.
Advertisement
A 12-year-old boy was fatally shot by police in Cleveland previous year after brandishing what turned out to be a replica gun. “We have seen too many violent incidents this year and this ordinance is one step toward ensuring the safety of our communities”.
