Policy: Firearms and Dangerous Weapons
University Policy: Health & Public Safety
Date Revised: January 6, 2020
Date Effective: November 1, 2011
Senior Leader: Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services
Responsible University Officer: Chief of University Police
Policy Owner: Chief of University Police
Policy Contact: Police Sergeant
POLICY STATEMENT
UW-Platteville is committed to maintaining a safe campus environment and to ensuring that it acts to the extent possible to shield its students and employees from harm, including from firearms and other dangerous weapons on university property and in connection with university activities and events.
REASON FOR POLICY
This Policy defines restrictions for firearms and dangerous weapons on UW-Platteville property and in connection with UW-Platteville activities.
The Wisconsin Administrative Code at UWS 18.10(3) prohibits a person from carrying, possessing, or using any dangerous weapon on university lands or in university buildings or facilities, unless it is for law enforcement purposes or the person receives written approval of the Chancellor. Chapter 18 permits police to confiscate and remove dangerous weapons from university lands.
On July 8, 2011, Governor Scott Walker signed 2011 Wisconsin Act 35 into law. Effective November 1, 2011, it is lawful in the State of Wisconsin for licensed individuals to be armed with a concealed weapon, or to carry particular weapons in an open or concealed manner, as long as there is no indication of a criminal or malicious intent. This law provides certain exemptions for schools and universities, however, which are implemented further in this policy.
DEFINITIONS
- Concealed Carry Weapon or CCW is a weapon that a Licensee may carry in a concealed fashion, except as prohibited in certain locations as detailed in this policy. CCWs are: a handgun, electric weapon, a knife other than a switchblade knife, or a billy club. (Wis.Stat. 175.60(1)(j))
- Dangerous Weapon means any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded; any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or great bodily harm; any ligature or other instrumentality used on the throat, neck, nose or mouth of another person to impede, partially or completely, breathing or circulation of blood; any electric weapon as defined in Wis. Stat. 941.295(1c)(a); or any other device or instrumentality which, in the manner it is used or intended to be used, is calculated or likely to produce death or great bodily harm. (Wis. Stat. 939.22(10))
- Firearm means a weapon that acts by force of gunpowder. (Wis. Stat. 167.31(1)(c))
- Licensee means an individual holding a valid license to carry a concealed carry weapon or CCW issued in Wisconsin, or an individual who is not a resident of Wisconsin, who is 21 years or over and who holds a valid license to carry a concealed weapon in another state. (Wis. Stat. 175.60(1))
- School means a public school, parochial or private school, or tribal school, as defined in Wis. Stat. 115.001(15m), which provides an educational program for one or more grades between grades 1 and 12 which is commonly known as an elementary school, middle school, junior high school, senior high school, or high school. (Wis. Stat. 948.605(1)(b), 948.61(1)(b)
- Special event means an event that is open to the public, indoor or outdoor, is for a duration of not more than 3 weeks, and either has designated entrances to or from the event that are locked when the event is closed or requires an admission. (Wis. Stat. 943.13(1e)(h))An annual report by the University, the ASFR informs the University community about important procedures, policies, and crime prevention programs, including crime statistics for the previous three years for reported Clery crimes that occurred on campus property, non-campus property, or public property of the University (see definitions below). The ASFR is available online and can be printed out, or a printed copy may be obtained in person from the University Police Department.
PROHIBITED BEHAVIOR AT UW-PLATTEVILLE
- No Firearms or Dangerous Weapons in UW-Platteville Buildings
Individuals are prohibited from carrying firearms and dangerous weapons into buildings or portions of buildings that are owned, occupied, or controlled by UW-Platteville. UW- Platteville shall place signs in prominent places near all of the entrances to UW- Platteville buildings notifying the UW-Platteville community and visitors of this ban. This ban on firearms and dangerous weapons inside UW-Platteville buildings applies equally to Licensees.
- No Firearms or Dangerous Weapons by Employees
Employees of UW-Platteville, including student employees, are prohibited from carrying firearms or other dangerous weapons while engaged in any employment activity on behalf of UW-Platteville, whether on or off campus.
This ban does not apply to firearms or other dangerous weapons carried solely in the employee’s own motor vehicle.
- No Firearms or Dangerous Weapons in Residence Halls
No individual may possess firearms or any other dangerous weapons in the residence halls.
- No Firearms or Dangerous Weapons in UW-Platteville Owned Vehicles
No individual may possess firearms or any other dangerous weapons in UW-Platteville owned or operated vehicles. UW-Platteville may place signs in prominent places in UW- Platteville vehicles as appropriate notifying the campus community of this ban.
- No Firearms or Dangerous Weapons at UW-Platteville Special Events
No individual may possess firearms or any other dangerous weapons at UW-Platteville special events (see definition above), except in vehicles driven or parked in a parking facility in connection with the event. UW-Platteville shall place signs in prominent places at UW-Platteville events notifying the campus community of this ban.
- Exemptions to Prohibited Behavior
The above bans on firearms and dangerous weapons do not apply to sworn law enforcement personnel. In addition, from time to time, the Chancellor or Chancellor’s designee may grant exemptions under unique, limited circumstances (e.g., if an unloaded firearm is required as part of an artistic performance or if a firearm or weapon is required in a laboratory by a research project). Persons seeking such an exemption should first consult with the UW-Platteville Police Chief, who shall refer the request for an exemption along with the Chief’s recommendation to the Chancellor or Chancellor’s designee. Such an exemption must be obtained from the Chancellor or Chancellor’s designee in writing, in advance.
ENFORCEMENT
Any individual who observes a violator's refusal to adhere to this policy and UWS 18.08 should report the violator to the University Police. This policy may be enforced through citations issued by the UW-Platteville Police Department, as applicable, through non-academic misconduct sanctions with respect to students, through cancellation of contracts such as housing contracts with students, and/or through appropriate disciplinary processes applying to employees.
FAQ ON FIREARMS AND DANGEROUS WEAPONS
Q1: What is the difference between firearms, guns, dangerous weapons, and concealed carry weapons?
“Firearm” is defined as a weapon that acts by force of gunpowder. “Gun” is the same as firearm.
“Dangerous weapon” is defined as any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded; any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or great bodily harm; any ligature or other instrumentality used on the throat, neck, nose or mouth of another person to impede, partially or completely, breathing or circulation of blood; any electric weapon; or any other device or instrumentality which, in the manner it is used or intended to be used, is calculated or likely to produce death or great bodily harm.
“Concealed Carry Weapons” or “CCWs” are those weapons that a Licensee may carry in a concealed fashion, except as prohibited in certain locations. CCWs are: a handgun, electric weapon, a knife other than a switchblade knife, or a billy club. UW-Platteville’s use of different terms in the UW-Platteville Policy on Firearms and Dangerous Weapons is intentional. See also the chart attached to these FAQs for further explanation on the different treatment of firearms and dangerous weapons.
Q2: Who is a concealed carry licensee or “Licensee”?
A “Licensee” is an individual holding a valid license to carry a concealed carry weapon issued in Wisconsin, or an individual who is not a resident of Wisconsin, who is 21 years or over and who holds a valid license to carry a concealed carry weapon in another state.
Q3: What weapons are Licensee’s permitted to carry?
A handgun, electric weapon, a knife other than a switchblade knife, or a billy club.
Q4: Where are firearms (guns) prohibited?
Firearms are prohibited in UW-Platteville buildings, or portions of buildings owned, occupied, or controlled by UW-Platteville, including residence halls, and at special events (see Q11 below). Firearms are also prohibited outside of UW-Platteville buildings on all UW-Platteville grounds, except for a handgun carried in a concealed manner by a Licensee, and except in personal vehicles. All employees, including those who are Licensees, are barred from carrying firearms while in the course of performing duties for UW-Platteville, on or off campus, except in personal vehicles.
Q5: Where are dangerous weapons prohibited?
Dangerous weapons are prohibited in UW-Platteville buildings, or portions of buildings owned, occupied, or controlled by UW-Platteville, including residence halls, and at special events (see response to Q11 below). Dangerous weapons are also prohibited outside UW-Platteville buildings on UW-Platteville grounds, except for CCWs that are carried in a concealed manner by a Licensee, and except in personal vehicles. All employees, including those who are Licensees, are barred from carrying dangerous weapons while in the course of performing duties for UW-Platteville, on or off campus, except in personal vehicles.
Q6: Can students bring firearms or dangerous weapons to class?
No, as long as the class is held in a building owned, occupied, or controlled by UW-Platteville.
Q7: Can instructors or faculty bring firearms or dangerous weapons to class?
No. UW-Platteville employees are subject to the same bans on firearms and dangerous weapons that apply to all other individuals in UW-Platteville buildings. In addition, employees are barred from carrying firearms and dangerous weapons while in the course of performing duties for UW-Platteville, on or off campus, except that any individual may store firearms or dangerous weapons in their personal vehicles.
Q8: Can student residents or visitors or employees bring firearms or dangerous weapons into the residence halls?
No. Student residents, visitors, and employees may not bring firearms or dangerous weapons into residence halls that are owned, occupied, or controlled by UW-Platteville; violations can result in contract terminations or other discipline.
Q9: Can employees or students have firearms or dangerous weapons in their personal vehicles?
Under Wisconsin law, UW-Platteville does not ban firearms or dangerous weapons in personal vehicles.
Q10: Can employees, students, or visitors possess firearms or dangerous weapons in UW-Platteville owned or operated vehicles?
No. Employees, students and visitors may not possess firearms or dangerous weapons in any UW-Platteville owned or operated vehicle.
Q11: Can employees, students, or visitors bring firearms or dangerous weapons to UW- Platteville special events?
No, except in vehicles driven or parked in a parking facility. A “special event” is an event that is open to the public, indoor or outdoor, is for a duration of not more than 3 weeks, and either has designated entrances to or from the event that are locked when the event is closed or requires an admission.
Q12: If I need to bring a firearm or dangerous weapon into a campus building for a specific UW-Platteville purpose (e.g. a theatre event involving use of an unloaded weapon, or a research project), can I get special permission to do so?
Special requests should be directed to the UW-Platteville Police Chief, who will forward the request along with his or her recommendation to the Chancellor or Chancellor’s designee. Such permission must be obtained from the Chancellor or Chancellor’s designee in writing and in advance.
Q13: Do the prohibitions apply to law enforcement?
No. Sworn law enforcement officers, including UW-Platteville police officers, are exempt from the prohibitions.
Q14: Can I get special permission to bring a firearm or dangerous weapon to UW- Platteville if I am licensed and have had appropriate training?
No. Exceptions will not be made on this basis.
Q15: Will signs be posted explaining the prohibitions?
Yes. Prior to the effective date of the new law, UW-Platteville will post conspicuously post signs stating the prohibitions at the entrances to all UW-Platteville buildings.
Q16: Are stun guns or Tasers permitted on campus?
Stun guns and Tasers are both electric weapons that are considered to be within the definition of “dangerous weapons.” They thus are prohibited in UW-Platteville buildings, or portions of buildings owned, occupied, or controlled by UW-Platteville, including residence halls, and at special events (see response to Q11 above). They also are prohibited outside UW-Platteville buildings on UW-Platteville grounds except when carried in a concealed manner by a Licensee, and except in personal vehicles. All employees, including those who are Licensees, are barred from carrying stun guns and Tasers while in the course of performing duties for UW-Platteville, on or off campus, except in personal vehicles. Law enforcement is not subject to the prohibitions on electric weapons.
Q17: Is pepper spray permitted on campus?
Pepper spray that is lawful in Wisconsin is not considered to be a dangerous weapon. As long as it is not misused, it may be carried on campus by employees, students, and visitors. For more information about lawful pepper spray in Wisconsin, see the information published by Wisconsin’s Bureau of Consumer Protection at: http://ww2.wisconsin.gov/san/agency/upload/doa/consumer/pepsp157.pdf.
HISTORY
Revised into new format January 6, 2020
SCHEDULED REVIEW
2024
Click here to see the Firearms and Dangerous Weapons Policy.