23-082 Prohibited Items at Airport Security Checkpoints

Department Notice

San Francisco Police Department

This document is not an official representation of the published policy. To access the official signed policy, please contact us at [email protected].

23-082
Published: 
Expire: 
(Re-issue DB 21-073)

Members are reminded that carrying prohibited items into Airport Security Checkpoints is unlawful and may constitute a misdemeanor under 171.5 PC.

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 § 1540.111(a)) for weapon related violations such as the possession of a kubaton.

Penal Code 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
  • Any knife
  • Any box cutter or straight razor
  • Any metal military practice hand grenade
  • Any metal replica hand grenade
  • Any plastic replica hand grenade
  • Any imitation firearm
  • Any frame, receiver, barrel or magazine of a firearm • Any tear gas weapon
  • Any taser or stun gun
  • Any instrument that expels a metallic projectile, i.e., BB or pellet, or any paint gun
  • Any ammunition
  • Any type of Martial Arts Weapons
  • Any Batons or Club-like items

The TSA provides a complete list of prohibited items which may not be specifically listed in 171.5 PC but will draw civil penalties if violated.

Firearms carried in checked bags must be unloaded, packed in a hard-sided container, within hazardous material regulations, and declared to the airline at check-in. Check with your airline to confirm that they allow firearms in checked bags. Please refer to the guidelines for traveling with firearms.

/s/
DAVID LAZAR for
WILLIAM SCOTT
Chief of Police 

Per DN 23-152, all sworn & non-sworn members shall electronically acknowledge this Department document in PowerDMS within (30) thirty calendar days of issuance. Members whose duties are relevant to this document shall be held responsible for compliance. Any questions regarding this policy should be sent to [email protected] who will provide additional information.