Reviewed and affirmed by the Board: Last Revision: Original publish date: 01/27/2015 Related policies & regulations: Legal references:
As used in this policy, the term “weapon” means an instrument or object used, or which may be used, as a means of attack, defense or destruction, including, without limitation:a. Any object which will, or is designed to, or may readily be converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other means;
The frame or receiver of any object described in the preceding example;
Any firearm muffler or silencer;
Any explosive, incendiary or gas (a) bomb, (b) grenade, (c) rocket, (d) missile, (e) mine or similar device;
Any bludgeon, sandclub, metal knuckles or throwing star;
Any knife other than as used for strictly instructional or personal care or eating purposes. A pocketknife with a blade of 2½ inches or more is a prohibited weapon. Maintenance employees may possess a knife with a blade of 2½ inches or more if such a knife is necessary as a tool for the employee’s work and if used in the manner for which it was designed.
A switchblade knife is prohibited regardless of size of the blade. A switchblade knife is defined as a knife with a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of a knife or any knife having a blade that opens or falls or is ejected into position by the force of gravity or by an outward, downward or centrifugal thrust or movement;
Any electronic device designed to discharge immobilizing levels of electricity, commonly known as a stun gun or taser;
Any other object that is designed for or intended for use as a destructive or injurious device.
An employee may possess mace or other similar chemical agents in quantity and/or concentration typically designed for individual personal defensive purposes and it shall not be considered as possession of a weapon. Possession of larger quantities and/or concentrations of mace or other similar chemical agents than is typically designed for individual personal defensive purposes will be considered as possession of a weapon. Usage of mace or other similar chemical agents will be considered as usage of a weapon if the usage is found to be for non-defensive purposes. An employee who is negligent in their possession of mace or other similar chemical agents will be subject to disciplinary action.
An employee may possess an item which may be considered a weapon where such item is used for instructional purposes and the employee has received approval of the administration to possess the item, provided it is used in the manner approved and is maintained in such manner as the administration has directed.
As used in this policy, the phrase “possession of a weapon” includes, without limitation, a weapon in an employee’s personal possession, as well as in an employee’s motor vehicle, desk, locker, backpack or purse.