Whether we like it or not, weapons are a part of modern life. There are important safety and legal responsibilities involved in owning weapons.

Self Protection
Pepper spray is the only legal weapon you may carry for self protection, providing it meets certain requirements (can size, concentration). You can find legal canisters at sporting goods stores. A whistle and a cell phone are also useful items for personal safety. While carrying a weapon may feel reassuring, the presence of weapons can escalate conflicts and increase the level of violence. In addition, most law-abiding citizens lack the training necessary to use a weapon effectively in a violent encounter.

Common sense is your best protection. By taking simple steps such as parking in lighted areas, traveling in groups, being aware of what's going on around you and not advertising your valuables, you can avoid many threats to your personal safety. For more information, see Brochures.

Any item, other than pepper spray, carried on your person (or in your vehicle) for personal defense is illegal. Examples include, but are not limited to: billy clubs, saps, baseball bats, sticks, kubotans, axe handles, etc. You may be cited or arrested for possession of these items.

Concealed Weapons
With the exception of pepper spray and pocket knives (folding, non-automatic), it is illegal to conceal any weapon, or item to be used as a weapon on your person, unless you have a concealed weapons permit.

Use Your Head!
It is a bad idea to handle weapons (including toy weapons or objects that may look like weapons) around police officers. You may not intend to use it, but officers can't read your mind. If you are stopped by an officer when you have weapons on your person, or in your car, inform the officer immediately. S/he will give you instructions regarding the weapons. Do not reach for them unless instructed to. You can prevent dangerous misunderstandings with officers by remaining calm and using your head.

Concealed Weapons Permits
In California, concealed weapons permits are primarily for security guards and people with jobs with a high risk for violence, such as judges, celebrities or diamond merchants. These permits must be approved by the police chief or county sheriff. For more information, contact: email • 650/903-6344.

Firearms and Home Security
Having a gun in your house for home security and self defense is a serious responsibility. It’s also important to rely on sound locks on all doors and windows, exterior lighting, yard maintenance, and other home security measures. If you do choose to keep a gun in your home, you may wish to find a reputable firing range or gun club for firearms training.

Firearms
The only place you can legally discharge a firearm in Santa Clara County is at a licensed gun range. It is not legal to fire a gun in your backyard or inside your home. This includes New Year's Eve and the Fourth of July. It is never legal to carry a loaded gun in public.

Being a gun owner means accepting responsibility for gun safety. A gun lock appropriate for your firearm should be used whenever the gun is not in use. When at home, guns should be kept in firearm safes (available for as little as $50). When transporting the weapon, guns must be stored in locked boxes. Ammunition should be stored separately. For safe storage of ammunition, follow directions on the manufacturer's container.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Most weapons-related assaults involve weapons because they just happened to be there. Alcohol or drug consumption is frequently a factor in these assaults. Never trust your own or anyone else's judgment with weapons if using alcohol or drugs.

• Found
• Kept for safekeeping
• Taken as evidence
• Turned in for destruction
• Taken with Search Warrant

• Switchblades
• Gravity Knives
• Nunchaku
• Short-barreled Shotgun
• Short-barreled Rifle
• Brass Knuckles
• Blackjack
• Sap
• Billy Club
• Tracer Ammunition