Recently, the Santa Clara Police Department has been called to a number of incidents where individuals have been in possession of a fake firearm. In each scenario, the reporting party has been legitimately fearful for their safety and the safety of others. Multiple highly-trained, armed officers have been deployed to each instance. Fortunately, these situations have been diffused in a safe and effective manner.

Replica firearms, BB guns, airsoft and toy guns are readily accessible. Yet, the individuals carrying fake guns, particularly young people, don’t always understand the dangers of such a toy and could be faced with deadly force from police responding to a weapon call.

“They are indistinguishable from the real thing” said Assistant Police Chief Dan Winter of toy and replica guns. "There is not a lot of difference between a real gun and toy gun and police officers can’t distinguish real from fake guns from one another without close inspections. Most times our officers are not given the time for close inspections.”

As a result of recent calls to the Communications Center regarding weapons, the Santa Clara Police Department would like to share some very important lessons that have been learned in law enforcement as a result of tragedies involving fake guns. These recommendations do not address all the potential dangers of possessing a fake gun however these tips may prevent a police officer, security guard or concealed carrying citizen from mistaking a fake gun for the real thing.

•   Do not alter the orange muzzle tip on a fake weapon;
•   When moving fake guns from home to a playing area, they should be in a case and not visible;
•   Replica weapons should be used in a controlled environment, not in public (e.g. park, alley, school campus);
•   Adult supervision is strongly encouraged when replica weapons are present;
•   Wear proper protective equipment;
•   Parents should educate themselves and their children on gun safety, including but not limited to applicable laws,     proper respect, handling and operation of fake guns;
•   Parents should have their child complete a firearms safety course before using replica firearms; and,
•   Parents should teach their children appropriate response to a law enforcement encounter (e.g. drop the weapon immediately, keep hands visible).

The Santa Clara Police Building will safely dispose of replica weapons on your behalf. Please schedule an appointment for this service by calling (408)615-4700.