Weapons On Campus

The prohibition of deadly weapons on campus is a proactive step toward reducing the risk of injury or death due to the intentional, accidental or improper use of firearms and other weapons.

The Community College of Rhode Island has maintained a long-standing policy prohibiting weapons on any of its campuses. The introduction of guns, knives, or other devices on campus is potentially dangerous to the entire college community and inconsistent with a safe learning environment. Faculty, staff, and students are, therefore, advised that the introduction of any weapon is a direct violation of policy and a serious breach of security that will require immediate discipline, up to and including dismissal. Anyone aware of a potential violation of this policy should contact College Police immediately.

For the purposes of this policy, a deadly weapon is any device designed to produce death or serious bodily injury. Deadly weapons include, but are not limited to:

1. Firearms, whether loaded or unloaded
2. Pellet, flare, tranquilizer, stun, spear and dart guns
3. Knives with blades three inches or longer
4. Switchblades
5. Daggers
6. Striking instruments, including clubs, truncheons, blackjacks, metal knuckles and sap gloves
7. Martial arts weapons, including nunchuks, tonfas, staffs and throwing stars
8. Bow and arrow combinations
9. Explosive devices, including hand grenades, bombs, black powder, smokeless powder, percussion caps, friction primers and pyrotechnic fuses.
10. Electrical devices such as tasers
11. Other devices determined to be dangerous or deadly by the College Police

The definition of deadly weapons under this policy does not include devices such as commercially available aerosol dispensers of non-lethal chemical irritants, pocket knives, or general tools not designed as weapons.

This prohibition against deadly weapons applies equally to those carried by persons with a government-issued permit or license. The only exceptions to this policy are those listed below.

Procedures:

1. Individuals who possess deadly weapons in violation of this prohibition shall be directed and/or required to remove their weapons or themselves from CCRI premises, with all appropriate legal actions (including arrest) being taken upon failure to comply.
2. Employees who possess deadly weapons in violation of the prohibition stated in this policy and/or in related statutes are guilty of misconduct and subject to corrective action under CCRI's policies and procedure, up to and including termination of employment and all other appropriate legal actions.
3. Students who possess deadly weapons in violation of this prohibition are guilty of violations of the Code of Student Conduct and are subject to disciplinary action under that code, including expulsion from CCRI.

Persons who possess deadly weapons in violation of this policy will be required by the College Police Department to remove the weapons and/or themselves from college property.

Any college student, faculty or staff member who violates this policy shall be subject to action in accordance with college disciplinary policies and procedures for students, faculty and staff. Further, possession of a deadly weapon in

violation of federal, state, or local laws will be referred to College Police or other appropriate law enforcement authorities and may result in legal sanctions.

This policy is applicable to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors on all CCRI owned or operated premises (including parking lots).

This policy does not apply to:

• Duly-appointed law enforcement personnel
• Members of the United States armed forces when acting in accordance with directed service (state of emergency).

It is recognized that there may be activities related to the educational mission of the college (e.g., physical fitness activities or theatrical productions) that may appear to violate the letter but not the intent of this policy. In such cases, the department or organization coordinating the activity is responsible for obtaining written approval from the Director of Safety & Security or his designee, in advance, to conduct the activity. Such approval may extend for up to one year at a time.