|
| back to top |
Pellet Guns
Irvine City Ordinance Prohibits the Discharge of Airsoft Pellet Guns Irvine,Calif.
There has been a recent increase in the popularity of Airsoft pellet guns and rifles among adolescents within our community. These are typically realistic scale replicas of a handgun or rifle that fire a plastic projectile (pellet) by means of a mechanical spring action. This increase in popularity has raised both legal and safety concerns relating to the possession and use of such pellet guns. Many parents and young people may be unaware of these safety issues and the existing Irvine city ordinance prohibiting the discharge of pellet guns within the city limits. The purpose of this public advisory is to provide parents and young people with accurate information so they are able to make informed decisions regarding the access, possession, and discharge of these pellet guns.
Section 4-14-103 of the Irvine Municipal Code prohibits the discharge of any pellet gun or air rifle that forcefully discharges any type of projectile, including metal or plastic pellets, anywhere within the city limits. As such, use of pellet guns is unlawful and would subject the violator, whether adult or juvenile, to arrest and prosecution under the provisions of the code.
Another critical issue regarding the majority of these pellet guns is their similarity to real firearms. Many of the pellet guns are specifically designed as exact replicas of contemporary firearms, such as the Beretta 92FS 9mm pistol. When the orange paint is removed from the tip of the barrel of these pellet guns, it is virtually impossible to discern the pellet gun from a real firearm. This community concern could result in calls for police response that might result in officers mistaking an Airsoft-style pellet gun for a real gun. Unfortunately, throughout the country there have been a number of police-involved shootings and near shootings involving those armed with replica-style pellet guns.
The purpose of providing this information is to prevent needless injuries that may result from the use and/or possession of these replica-style pellet guns. We hope that this advisory has provided some clarification on this important issue and will enable the public to make responsible decisions regarding the possession and use of pellet guns. Should you have any questions, please contact the UC Irvine Police Department at (949) 824-5223.
| back to top |
Cutting The Cord
On November 24, 2003, the Federal Communications Commission cleared the way for consumers to switch phone companies without changing their phone number. As mentioned in the Orange County Register on November 16, 2003, by Jim Finkles, in Pulling the Plug, one of the options will now allow consumers to eliminate their "hardwire" residential telephone and use only their wireless mobile telephone. Several points to consider were mentioned, one being the ability to call 9-1-1.
Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona, the Orange County's 9-1-1 Coordinator, has some concerns for wireless residential users. Using a wireless mobile phone as your primary residential telephone could delay prompt emergency response. Improvements to the technology are on the way, but there are some important things that Orange County Public Safety officials want you to know.
When you dial 9-1-1, for an emergency, on a hardwire telephone, the call is automatically routed, by your phone service provide, to a 9-1-1 Center. The consumers 9-1-1 Center is their local Sheriff, Police, or Public Safety Dispatch Center based upon the location of their handset and the agency responsible for the jurisdiction. Two vital pieces of information are forwarded to the Dispatch Center; the street address and callback telephone number of the handset. Dispatch Centers are then able to verify and dispatch the appropriate resources being law enforcement, fire or paramedics.
Currently, in most parts of California, when you dial 9-1-1 on a wireless telephone, the call is automatically sent to the local California Highway Patrol (CHP) Dispatch Center. Currently wireless 9-1-1 does not receive an address, but only the call back number (if it's not blocked) to subscriber. The CHP Dispatch must verbally determine the type of emergency and forward the call to the appropriate 9-1-1 Center. The receiving Center must again verify the information and dispatch personnel. Crucial minutes can be spent in this process. In some cases, public safety response is delayed. Other factors to consider include poor reception areas, such as canyons and remote locations, and interferences from structures and other electronics. The number of wireless users can exceed
In the near future, the State of California is working with local public safety agencies to ensure direct routing of wireless 9-1-1 to the appropriate agency. With the advancements in technology, a wireless call, based upon the location of the receiving wireless tower, will be directly sent to the appropriate agencies. Eventually, all wireless calls will have a call back number, cell site location and a precise location based upon Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The availability and validity of this information will be based upon the level of service and from the appropriate wireless service provider. This major undertaking, to be accomplished by regions, started in 2003 with portions of Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay area. It is projected to be completed statewide sometime in 2006. Orange County is slated in the Statewide Map to begin the project in mid-2004.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department, the agency that oversees the county's 9-1-1 system, is currently preparing for the potential impact of directly accepting wireless 9-1-1 calls. Earlier this year, the department in conjunction with the members of the Orange County Police Chief's and Sheriff's Association and the Orange County Fire Chiefs Association commissioned the Wireless 9-1-1 Project Management Committee. The nine-member panel, which includes representatives from law, fire and the major telephone providers, currently meets on a monthly basis. "Members of Public Safety in Orange County understand the importance of working together as an unified force. The 9-1-1 system is a great instrument and we want to make sure we implement those same standards into the wireless 9-1-1," stated Sheriff Michael Carona. According to Orange County Sheriff's Lieutenant Colin Murphy, the committee chairperson, "The Project Management Team will identify the potential impacts of wireless 9-1-1 to each agency, make recommendations for policies and procedures, and prepare them for a smooth transition."
Until then, Lieutenant Murphy encourages phone users to evaluate the changeover to wireless, based upon their individual needs. If using a wireless phone, the caller should be prepared with the appropriate information such as location, type of emergency and a contact phone number before talking with Public Safety Dispatchers.
| back to top |
|
