(a) Whoever—
(1) has, possesses, bears, transports, carries or has under his proximate control any instrument or weapon of the kind commonly known as a blackjack, billy, sandclub, metal knuckles, bludgeon, switchblade knife or gravity knife; or
(2) with intent to use the same unlawfully against another, has, possesses, bears, transports, carries or has under his proximate control, a dagger, dirk, dangerous knife, razor, stiletto, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon shall—
(A) be fined $5,000 and imprisoned not more than five (5) years; or
(B) if he has previously been convicted of a felony, or has, possesses, bears, transports, carries or has under his proximate control, any such weapon during the commission or attempted commission of a crime of violence (as defined in section 2253(d)(1) hereof) shall be fined $10,000 and imprisoned not more than fifteen (15) years, which penalty shall be in addition to the penalty provided for the commission of, or attempt to commit, the crime of violence.
(b) For purposes of subsection (a) of this section, the term “switchblade knife” means any knife which has a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other device in the handle of the knife; and the term “gravity knife” means any knife which has a blade which is released from the handle or sheath thereof by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force which, when released, is locked in place by means of a button, spring, lever or other device.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, nothing contained herein shall prohibit the use of electric weapons or devices by peace officers in the conduct of their lawful duties or persons licensed to carry an electric weapon or device. The Virgin Islands Police Department and the Virgin Islands Department of Justice shall jointly promulgate regulations and establish policies pertaining to the use and licensing of electric weapons and devices.