Maywood May Ban Carrying Knives Openly
ordinance prohibiting the carrying of knives and daggers in plain view was introduced Tuesday by the City Council.
“A lot of guys are running around that think they’re Rambos,” said Police Chief Theodore R. Heidke, who initiated the ordinance. He said police have seen people carrying bayonets, daggers and machetes in full view but legally could do nothing about it. However, a recent court decision would allow cities to regulate such uses, Heidke said.
“Our idea is, ‘Let’s ban it here,’ ” he said, noting that police are not after people who carry penknives or buck knives. The criterion used will be if the cutting instrument is “capable of inflicting grievous bodily harm,” he said.
If the ordinance wins final approval, he said, police will warn violators. After repeated warnings, violators will be cited for a misdemeanor.
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