Did WOU change policy?

POLICY

Pursuant to O.A.R. 580-22-045 the Western Oregon University Campus Safety
Services Department shall prohibit the possession of firearms, ammunition,
explosives, dangerous chemicals, fireworks or related dangerous items on campus
except where exclusively authorized by the President, or through contract, for
instructional purposes, part of inter-collegiate sanctioned events, civic events
sanctioned by the university, law, or in the course of work (e.g. police, BPSST,
law enforcement services).

PURPOSE

To comply with the Board of Higher Education O.A.R. 480-22-045, promote safety
on campus, eliminate potential misuse and reduce the potential of incidents
related to these areas, insurance and liability.

DISCUSSION

This policy includes prohibiting weapons carried by individuals "licensed" to
carry concealed weapons. O.R.S. 160.370(2)(d) has been amended to permit a
"broader" group or people to carry concealed weapons. However, the President
and Western Oregon University has the authority to control, manage and regulate
behavior on campus.

Weapons Definition - An instrument that is designed to cause bodily harm to
another person, property or animal. Types of weapons include but are not
limited to:

1. Firearms - Any weapon that uses ammunition that includes gun powder or
compressed air.
2. Ammunition - Any projectile or ammunition that has the potential
to penetrate.
3. Explosives - Devices intended to create an explosion that is of greater
force than firearms.
4. Dangerous Chemicals - Intended to cause bodily harm or discomfort.
5. Fireworks - Devise used to explode or become a projectile when igniting a
fuse.
6. Knives - Having a blade that projects or swings into position by force of a
spring or centrifugal force ORS 166.240.
7. Bow/Arrows - Designed to be propelled through the air by applied human
force.

PROCEDURES

1. When an officer observes, has reported, or is dispatched to a possession of
firearms on campus, they are to provide the potential violator with the
information stated in the authority section of this policy.

2. They are to inform the violators that removal must be immediate and the
following "temporary" options are available:

A. Immediate removal off campus

B. The Safety Services office may take possession and store in the
property room for a period not to exceed 24 hours (property receipt
provided).

3. After 24 hours, the individual must have transported the weapon(s) off
campus or he/she will be asked to leave campus "temporarily" until the
weapons are removed and compliance met.

4. If any property is temporarily taken by our office under this policy, a
formal report shall be written indicating the purpose, issue and
arrangements made. A property receipt shall be issued and a supervisor
informed at their next regular shift. Property shall be under lock and key,
secured at all times and handled pursuant to policy.

5. Weapons used in inter-collegiate events such as archery may be used in areas
designed for target practice.

BPSST POLICY (O.A.R.) - 259 12 015. WEAPONS

1. Immediately upon arrival at the Academy, all basic students will check in
all weapons with Academy staff. This shall include firearms, ammunition and
chemical agents such as tear gas. *Possession of any weapon by a basic
student in the dormitory building, classroom, a vehicle, or on the person,
is prohibited except when authorized for training purposes.

2. Any person residing at the Academy and/or attending specialized or
advanced courses is also prohibited from possessing weapons, including
firearms and chemical agents, in the dormitory sleeping areas.

3. Weapon cleaning activities should be in the gun locker area and not in the
dorm room.

CONCEALED WEAPONS PERMITS

Western Employees - State employees who obtain concealed weapon(s) permits may
mistakenly think the permit authorizes them to carry their weapon(s) on the job.
A permit to conceal a weapon does not create the authority to use or carry a
weapon on the job, concealed or openly.

Citizens - Members of the public who have permits to conceal a weapon may
mistakenly think the permit authorizes them to carry their weapon(s) into public
buildings. A permit to conceal a weapon does not create the authority to carry
a weapon openly or concealed into a public building.

It merely exempts the permittee from a strict liability statute (ORS 166.370)
which would otherwise impose an "automatic" criminal penalty. Without a
concealed weapons permit, ORS 166.370 makes it a crime for anyone except certain
police or military officials to bring loaded or unloaded firearms into public
buildings regardless of their intent.

A. If a person with a permit is encountered, they may be informed, if
appropriate, that campus rules prohibit firearms on campus and in our
buildings. They may be cooperatively requested to not bring the firearm
when visiting in the future. (No penalty or criminal sanctions under the
new ORS are available.) However, after being informed, violation "could"
take place through a trespass or failure to comply with an order
(OAR 80-22-045).
This is not our preferred method and would be utilized only in a very
unusual situation AFTER SUPERVISOR CONSULTATION. ORS 164.265 - Criminal
Trespass while in possession of a firearm as stated in Definitions section
of this policy.

B. NO FIREARMS, WEAPONS, MUNITIONS will be permitted in residence halls or
Campus Estates even if a concealed weapons permit exists. (We will deal
with this on a case by case basis.) No weapons in vehicles or locked in
trunk areas that are on campus.

Caution, courtesy and public relations are very important elements to consider
at all times when moving forward on this policy. If questions are apparent or
the situation unusual... Consult!

AUTHORITY

1. Board O.A.R. 580-22-045, ORS 164.265
2. Resident hall rules
3. Auxiliary Services Contract #40
4. BPSST Policy and Handbook
5. Campus Student Conduct Code

APPROVAL

The responsibility for this policy is the Vice President for Administration,
Finance, and Human Resources through the Public Safety Services Division.