MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Police here are urging parents to desist from purchasing imitation firearms as part of career day outfits, while pointing out that being in possession of it is an offence.

Acting Territorial Officer Inspector Berthlyn Lloyd, who is in charge of the Manchester Community Safety and Security Branch, told the Jamaica Observer on Monday of the worrying trend amid seizures of imitation firearms from primary and infant schoolchildren.

Career days are widely celebrated this school term in primary and infant schools islandwide, where youngsters dress up in elaborate outfits with accompanying tools and gadgets, depicting the career professionals of their choice.

“Having gone to a number of schools, we have realised that the parents who have their children showcasing the career of police and soldiers have embarked on buying some imitation firearms which look like, feel firearms and are giving these children to take as part of the paraphernalia of the police and soldiers to these career day activities,” Lloyd said.

She said while it’s good to see students embracing wearing mock uniforms of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Jamaica Defence Force, school administrators are also worried about children carrying imitation firearms.

“Some of the schools have expressed concern with the children taking these weapons to the institutions. We have embarked on seizing these firearms, because as you can see, you can hardly differentiate a real weapon from some of these imitation firearms,” she said.

She is reminding parents that under the Firearm (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act, it is a breach to be in possession of an imitation firearm.

“I encourage parents to desist from buying these weapons to give to their children to take to school, because it is an offence to be caught in possession of these and it is not fair to the children. These are very young children who are under the age to be in possession of these imitation weapons,” she said.

She also issued a warning to store owners and vendors who sell imitation weapons.

“I would also encourage the persons who are selling these imitation weapons to the parents to desist from doing so,” she said, while adding that if caught they will be charged with possession of a prohibited weapon.

“I will also encourage the school administrators to encourage the parents not to buy these weapons for the children, because when we come to these career days, if the children are found in possession of these weapons, they will be confiscated,” added Lloyd.

She explained how being in possession of an imitation firearm is an offence.

“Under the Firearm (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act of 2022 a firearm is defined as any barrel weapon that is discharged or is designed to discharge any shot, bullet or projectile,” she said.

“It also includes any such weapon as [including] a 3D-printed weapon or otherwise created through the use of electronic software. As it relates to the prohibited weapon, it means any prohibited firearm, grenade, bomb or other like missile or missile launcher, any imitation of any weapon or devices,” she added while pointing to the penalty of the offence.

“Section 5(1) speaks to the possession of prohibited weapons. No person shall be in possession of prohibited weapons,” she said, while adding that those found in breach can be sentenced to no less than 15 years and no more than 25 years in prison.

Inspector Lloyd said her team will continue to visit schools and participate in career day activities.

“Since the start of this term, which began in April, the Manchester Community, Safety and Security Branch staff have been invited to participate and share in a number of career day activities right across the parish of Manchester, given that [we have] the responsibility in treating with schools and other community-related activities. The team has been visiting schools, doing presentations, and sharing in career day activities in most of the primary and infant schools across the parish,” she said.