In an effort to curb confusion about toy or lookalike guns, a new City ordinance makes it unlawful to display a facsimile firearm in a public place in a manner that could cause alarm.

Police officials said that toy guns spray-painted black, or BB pistols and air rifles, very closely resemble the real thing - so much so that people, including police officers, sometimes cannot tell the difference in a critical situation. The new ordinance does not affect brightly colored water guns or other kids play things. It is designed to improve safety when the difference between a toy and a real gun is not easily discernable. For more information, call the Farmers Branch Police Department at  972-919-9303.

> FARMERS BRANCH POLICE DEPARTMENT