26-075 Prohibited Items at Airport Security Checkpoints
Department Notice
This document is not an official representation of the published policy. To access the official signed policy, please submit a request through our Public Records Request Portal.
Members are reminded that carrying prohibited items into Airport Security Checkpoints is unlawful and may constitute a misdemeanor under Penal Code 171.5 and may be subjected to disciplinary action.
Possession of common items such as spare magazines (loaded or unloaded), loose ammunition or firearm parts, can result in criminal, as well as civil penalties for members. These violations can also result in departmental disciplinary action. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can also levy civil penalties under Title 49 (CFR § 1540.11 l(a)) for weapon related violations.
PC 171.5 makes it unlawful for an officer NOT in the performance of their duties to transport any of the following into the "Sterile Area" of the Airport:
| Any firearm, imitation firearm, ammunition, frame, receiver, barrel, or magazine of a firearm | Any taser or stun gun |
| Any knife, box cutter, or straight razor | Any instrument that expels a metallic projectile, i.e., BB or pellet, or any paint gun |
| Any metal or plastic replica or metal military practice hand grenade | Any type of Martial Arts Weapons |
| Any tear gas weapon | Any Batons or Club-like items |
The TSA provides a complete list of prohibited items which may not be specifically listed in PC 171.5 but will draw civil penalties if violated.
Flying Armed
A sworn member may only be authorized by TSA to fly armed when an operational need is established, including but not limited to: protective functions, prisoner escort duties, or armed readiness upon arrival.
When traveling for the above listed purposes, members shall contact the OIC of Special Investigations Division for required training and clearance no less than 48 hours prior to scheduled travel. Members may not fly armed when traveling for non-operational or enforcement related activity such as training or conferences.
Firearms, ammunition, and firearm parts can be transported in checked baggage only. The unloaded firearm and/or ammunition must be in a locked hard-sided container and declared to the airline at check-in. Ammunition may be in the same container as the firearm. Check with your airline in advance to confirm that they allow firearms in checked bags. For more information, please refer to the guidelines for traveling with firearms.
/s/
DERRICK J. LEW
Chief of Police