Toy Gun Safety Features
The Roseville
Police Department has had a growing number of tense meetings with young
people who have airsoft (replica) guns that look like real firearms. Toy
guns, including airsoft guns, are required to have a bright orange tip;
however, they can be extremely difficult to tell apart from real guns,
especially at dusk.
Arrests
Most people do not know the difference and assume they are real. Police
have had cases where the replica guns have been modified to make them
look more real. And there have been times when real guns have been
modified to falsely look like a toy gun. In late September a
neighborhood was on alert and 4 people were arrested in St. Paul,
because they used modified airsoft guns while filming a movie.
Toy Guns Around Others
The Police urge anyone using airsoft guns to do so away from the public
eye where no one will mistake them for real guns. Also, make sure that
everyone within view understands what you are playing with and what you
are doing.
Prohibitions
The
use and/or display of airsoft guns or BB / pellet guns are prohibited
within Roseville (Chapter 503) and can result in a misdemeanor and
forfeiture of the guns. If a law enforcement officer approaches you
while using airsoft guns, immediately set the gun down, then stand still
and slowly put your empty hands up, eliminating the perceived threat to
the officer.
Parents
Parents, please talk with your children about airsoft gun safety and the
consequences of misusing replica guns. Airsoft or any replica or toy
guns are not allowed on school grounds and can be grounds for expulsion.