Our Services

The Control of Weapons Act 1990 divides non-firearm weapons into three basic categories; prohibited weapons, controlled weapons and dangerous articles.

Prohibited weapons

Prohibited weapons are weapons that are considered inappropriate for general possession and use without a Governor in Council Exemption Order or a Chief Commissioner Approval.

Click here for a full list of prohibited weapons.

Note: accompanying images are examples of the types of prohibited weapons listed - they are not definitive.

Click here for an informational poster concerning prohibited weapons.

Body Armour

Body armour is a garment or item:

(a) that is designed, intended or adapted for the purpose of protecting the body from the effects of a weapon, including a firearm, or

(b) that is prescribed by the regulations to be body armour.

Click here for further information regarding body armour, batons & handcuffs

Controlled Weapons

Controlled weapons are weapons that can be used for legitimate purposes but require regulation because of the possible danger they pose to the community. This category of weapon includes knives that while not considered prohibited weapons, still are a potential danger to the community.

A person must not possess, carry or use a controlled weapon without lawful excuse. Lawful excuse includes:

a) the pursuit of any lawful employment, duty or activity

b) participation in any lawful sport, recreation or entertainment, and

c) the legitimate collection, display or exhibition of weapon.

Lawful excuse does not include for the purpose of self-defence.

Click here for a full list of controlled weapons.

Note: accompanying images are examples of the types of controlled weapons listed - they are not definitive.

Click here for an informational poster concerning controlled weapons.

Dangerous Articles

Dangerous articles are any item which is either:

• carried with the intention of being used as a weapon, or
• adapted or modified so as to be capable of being used as a weapon.

Dangerous articles can include things that are otherwise lawful. For example, everyday tools, household items or sports equipment etc.

A person must not possess or carry dangerous articles in a public place without lawful excuse.

Lawful excuse includes:

a) the pursuit of any lawful employment, duty or activity

b) participation in any lawful sport, recreation or entertainment

c) the legitimate collection, display or exhibition of the article, and

d) the use of the article for the purpose for which it is designed or intended.

Lawful excuse does not include for the purpose of self-defence.

The following images are examples of dangerous articles - they are not definitive.

Click here for an information poster concerning dangerous articles.