The Code of Ordinances – City of Atlanta, Section 106-306 lists specific prohibitions against the carrying of knives, razors, or similar weapons.

This roll call training issue is intended to clarify the specific elements of this ordinance as it relates to enforcement actions.

A.        Sec. 106-306. Knives, razors, similar weapons.

It shall be unlawful for any person to have in such person's possession, except within such person's own residence or place of business, any of the following implements unless securely wrapped so as not to be readily available for use:

(1) Any knife which has a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle, the blade of which when open projects from the handle more than two inches;

(2) Any knife which has any obstruction or other device of any kind which holds the blade partly open, the blade of which when open projects from the handle more than two inches;

(3) Any knife of any kind, the blade of which when open projects from the handle more than three inches; this is intended to include all knives such as butcher knives or other knives which do not close;

(4) Any razor; or

(5) Any ice pick or similar device having a sharp point.

(Code 1977, § 17-4034)

B.        Application of Ordinance

Officers should note that this ordinance has five (5) elements to the prohibition paragraph.  Particular emphasis should be directed to element (2), which states that knives with a blade that projects from the handle more than two inches and has any obstruction or other device intended to partially hold the blade open is a violation of this ordinance

C.        Questions

Questions concerning this roll call training issue can be directed to your immediate supervisor, or to the academy staff at (404) 209-5250.