FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, March 16, 2020 10:00am
(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service continue to see a high number of authentic-looking fake firearms (including air pistols, BB guns, imitations and replicas) being displayed in public or used in crimes. Exhibiting, manipulating, or carrying these items is dangerous and has triggered multiple priority police responses this year. These incidents can also lead to criminal charges.
“These firearms are often designed to look like the real thing and it is often impossible to distinguish them from a real gun,” said Insp. Carl Cartright. “When a concerned member of the public calls 911 about a gun in the community, police are dispatched and treat the firearm as real until it is determined not to be.”
By the beginning of March 2021, 30 fake or replica guns have been recovered by Ottawa Police. In 2020, police recovered approximately 260 (either through seizure or those brought in for disposal). It’s a trend seen in many Canadian cities.
“This is an important safety message,” said Insp. Cartright. “Police recently responded to several incidents where people were displaying fake firearms (see attached photos) and triggered 911 calls from concerned members of the public.
These types of incidents are dangerous, for members of the community and police.
Along with the safety risks, serious charges can result:
- Criminal Code of Canada: Using an imitation firearm to commit a crime results in the same penalties as using a real firearm. Possession of an imitation gun can cause individuals to breach their court-imposed conditions.
- Canadian Firearms Act: There are legal requirements for the ownership, safe use, transportation and storage of certain types of air guns. Check with the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program or the manufacturer for more information.
- City of Ottawa Bylaw #2002-344: No person shall discharge a firearm in the City except where authorized. Further, BB guns and pellet guns are included within the firearms definition under air-guns and spring-guns.
If you are using a fake firearm in filming, a permit must be obtained by City of Ottawa’s Event Central prior to filming any content in Ottawa.
The Ottawa Police Service would also like to offer the following safety tips with the use of imitation firearms:
- Do not exhibit, manipulate, or carry a fake firearm in public places;
- NEVER point a fake firearm at another person;
- Handle your fake firearm as you would a real firearm: keep them locked in a case for safety and to prevent misunderstandings;
- If you are approached by police, put the fake or replica firearm down and listen to their instructions.
The Ottawa Police will continue to build awareness around fake and replica guns and would like to encourage the public to use them in a safe manner; this will result in the reduction of incidents requiring priority police responses.
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