Dangerous Weapons and Firearms Policy

Abstract:
Except as otherwise stated in this policy or as otherwise allowed by law, UAB prohibits the possession, transportation, and use of firearms and other dangerous weapons on campus.

Review/Revised Date: 01/01/2023

Category: Safety

Policy Owner: Associate Vice President -Public Safety and Chief of Police

Policy Contact: Associate Vice President -Public Safety and Chief of Police

Definitions

“Campus” means all property owned, leased or controlled by the University and any affiliated foundation or health care entity, including buildings and outdoor premises, such as parking lots and other outdoor property.

“Dangerous weapon” is defined to include:

Any device that shoots or delivers a bullet, BB, pellet, arrow, dart, flare, electrical charge, or other projectile, whether loaded or unloaded, including those devices powered by CO2.

Any explosive device, including fireworks.

Any instruments/devices that are designed or may be used as a weapon to injure or threaten another individual, including non-culinary knives with a blade greater than four (4) inches.

A firearm, as defined herein, is not included in this definition of dangerous weapon.

“Firearm” means a pistol, handgun, rifle, or shotgun and any ammunition.

Policy Statement, Application, and Enforcement

Except as otherwise stated in this policy the University prohibits the possession, transportation, and use of firearms and other dangerous weapons on campus. This policy applies to all persons on campus, including faculty, staff, students, contractors, patients, and visitors. Dangerous weapons are not allowed on campus at any time. Any dangerous weapons may be confiscated.

No individual may possess a firearm on campus, except for a lawfully possessed firearm properly maintained in the individual's privately owned motor vehicle in a manner that satisfies all requirements and prerequisites of Alabama law.

Consistent with Alabama law, all persons (including concealed carry permittees) are strictly prohibited from possessing firearms (1) at facilities which provide inpatient or custodial care of patients with psychiatric, mental or emotional disorders; and (2) at locations where guards and other security features are employed, such as athletic events.

This Policy supersedes any contrary University policy or handbook provision.

Persons on campus and in violation of University policy are trespassers and may be dealt with accordingly, including, but not limited to, being removed from campus and receiving a written directive to remain off campus. Contractors and vendors are expected to comply with policy and contract terms. Violations of Alabama law may be dealt with by appropriate law enforcement. Student violations may be addressed in accordance with the Student Conduct Code as well as other applicable policies and may include sanctions, up to and including expulsion. Employee violations may be resolved in accordance with employer policies, up to and including termination.

Exceptions

This policy does not prohibit use or possession of dangerous weapons or firearms by (1) certified law enforcement officers acting within the scope of their employment; (2) private security, who with express prior written permission of University Police Department ("UABPD"), possess firearms or dangerous weapons while in the employ of the University or for a permitted event; and (3) members, coaches, and authorized staff of a recognized team or course who are acting within the scope of activities that UABPD has pre-approved (e.g. ROTC members). This policy also does not apply to UABPD officers who are attending classes as students. If, however, UABPD officers are not in uniform during class, they must keep their weapons concealed. Any other use or possession of dangerous weapons or firearms on campus must be authorized by UABPD.

Related Resources

Purpose

Definitions

Policy Statement, Application, and Enforcement

Exceptions