Weapons

Purpose:

To provide guidance for the possession of weapons on college campus by students, faculty, staff, and visitors, and to provide rules and procedures for the possession of weapons on campus grounds, in campus buildings, and at campus events, consistent with Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Policy 3.14.5, Workplace Violence Prevention and Threat Assessment Policy Guidelines, and the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The procedures for implementation of this policy are provided below.

Procedure and/or Process Definitions:

College property: any property owned, leased, or controlled by J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College (Reynolds).

Police officer: law-enforcement officials appointed pursuant to Article 3 (§ 15.2-1609 et seq.) of Chapter 16 and Chapter 17 (§ 15.2-1700 et seq.) of Title 15.2, Chapter 17 (§ 23-232 et seq.) of Title 23, Chapter 2 (§ 29.1-200 et seq.) of Title 29.1, or Chapter 1 (§ 52-1 et seq.) of Title 52 of the Code of Virginia or sworn federal law-enforcement officers.

Properly permitted: individuals possessing a valid concealed handgun permit.

Weapon:

1. any pistol, revolver, or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind by action of an explosion of any combustible material;

2. any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, machete, razor, slingshot, spring stick, metal knucks, or blackjack;

3. any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a nun chahka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain;

4. any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades that is designed to be thrown or propelled and that may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart; or

5. any weapon of like kind, to include but not limited to, tasers; and (f) does not mean knives or razors used for domestic purposes; pen or folding knives with blades less than three inches in length, or; knives of like kind carried for use in accordance with the purpose intended by the original seller.

Procedures:

The executive cabinet is responsible for college policy and has delegated the policy development and review process as outlined below to the Reynolds Policy Workgroup. Recommended college policies and procedures are developed in accordance with the templates linked in Section III.B of this policy and include pertinent references to VCCS Policies.

1. Any individual in violation of this policy will be asked to remove the weapon immediately from the prohibited area. Failure to comply may result in a student conduct referral, an employee disciplinary action, or arrest.

2. If campus police observe or receive a report of a violation of this policy, police will direct the individual to leave the campus building or event immediately. The individual may secure the weapon inside their vehicle and return. In the event the individual fails to comply, campus police will take appropriate action, which could include arrest.

3. In cases involving an immediate threat of violence, members of the campus community are encouraged to call 804-523-5911 immediately. Campus police may make an arrest or take other action as appropriate.

4. Persons observed on open grounds of campus (streets, sidewalks, and other open areas on college property) may be asked by campus police to identify their relationship with the college to confirm whether a violation of this policy has occurred (i.e., to determine whether the individual is a student, employee, or visitor). If the individual is a visitor who intends to enter a campus building or event where weapons are prohibited, campus police will advise that it is unlawful to enter such places while possessing or carrying a weapon. The individual will be advised to secure the weapon inside their vehicle prior to entering the building or event.

Other Information:

Code of Virginia § 18.2-308, Carrying concealed weapons; exceptions; penalty

Virginia Register of Regulations, Vol. 29 Issue 12, Regulation of Weapons, 8VAC95-10

Virginia State Police, Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit Reciprocity and Recognition