Knife, Daggers, Swords
Ordinance
August 22, 2023
Captain Saul Rodriguez - SMPD
3.29 SMMC - Proposed
• Prohibit the open carry of knives, daggers and swords including a sharpened wooden stick or any razor blade
fitted to a handle in public areas with only a few exceptions. • Exceptions: for use in a lawful occupation; restaurants or other dining activities; for lawful recreational purposes; as a recognized religious practice, for example, a kirpan;
traveling to or returning from participation in such activities.
Goal of Ordinance
• Deter the open use of edged weapons in public, enhance public safety throughout the city.
• Provide law enforcement a valuable tool to immediately seize such weapons that may be used to commit a violent crime.
• Reduce Part I crimes, specifically aggravated assaults.
Challenges
• NO City, State, or Federal legislation addressing the open display or carrying of fixed blade knives, daggers, swords, sharpened sticks, and other edged weapons.
• This ordinance may prevent violent crimes that may harm residents and visitors to Santa Monica.
• The open display of these weapons can be detrimental to members of the public using the city’s public spaces.
QUESTIONS?