OCRO holds information session on Weapons Policy
The policy restricts the presence of weapons, in areas such as the Frank Zahn centre, for theatrical productions, for research and academic purposes, etc. with written permission. The Office of the Chief Risk Officer will be responsible for maintaining the records for these approvals. All other weapons, prop weapons and ammunition are prohibited.
The policy is in addition to the 2014 decision of the Senate, which is to prohibit firearms in the classroom. This means uniformed police officers will not be permitted to bring their firearms to class as they have in the past while taking courses at Memorial.
The Weapons Policy includes more than firearms, however. A weapon, as defined in the policy, is ‘anything used, designed to be used or intended for use a) in causing death or injury to any person, or b) for the purpose of threatening or intimidating any person, ’ as per the Criminal Code of Canada, R.S.C. 1985, c.C-46.
There are some exemptions such as equipment carried by police services or Campus Enforcement and Patrol officers while acting in their course of official duties, and items used for religious or ceremonial purposes.
“The new policy reflects the university’s goal to provide a safe, secure and healthy environment that supports learning, teaching, living and working on campus,” said Mr. Kris Parsons, Chief Risk Officer. “We appreciate the support we’ve received so far from the university community and from our community partners for this important policy.”
The full policy can be viewed here: www.mun.ca/policy/site/policy.php?id=286.