__________________________________________Ask the DA
 

My son got an after-school job as a stock boy at a local bodega and uses a box cutter at work.  I recall that last year his friend was arrested for bringing a BB-gun into school, and I don’t want my child to get into trouble.  Are there other items he should not bring to school?

The New York City Administrative Code (NYCAC) prohibits the possession of air pistols (BB-guns) and, under certain circumstances, real-looking toy guns, box cutters, laser pointers, knives, live ammunition and electronic stun guns.  I encourage all parents to talk with their children to make sure they do not possess or bring any of these items to school.  If brought to school, the items will be confiscated and your child may be arrested. 

Unless you are licensed, possession of an air pistol is always a violation of NYCAC.  In addition, many stores sell authentic-looking toy guns, possession of which may well be illegal.  I would not recommend that parents buy any toy guns for their children.  However, if they choose to do so, they should be sure to look for those with brightly-colored exterior surfaces – not silver or black – or ones that are transparent and bear a prominent manufacturer’s label.  Please bear in mind, however, that even these toy guns can be hard to distinguish from real ones if children are playing with them outside at night.

In general, possession of box cutters at school by students under the age of 21 or in public by people under the age of 20 is a violation of NYCAC.  NYCAC permits students to use box cutters when they are under immediate supervision by, for example, a shop or art teacher, or an employer.  Under certain technical circumstances, children may also have the right to travel to and from home and school or work with such items.  Please remain mindful that these children may still be subject to arrest.

For more information please visit the office’s Web site at www.brooklynda.org. To have your questions answered in a future column, send them to asktheda@brooklynda.org.