Weapons on Campus Policy Policy and Procedures

The Davis Technical College is committed to providing a safe and secure learning and working environment while recognizing the rights provided under Utah law regarding the lawful possession of firearms and other dangerous weapons.

This policy establishes guidelines regarding the possession, carrying, and reporting of firearms and weapons on property owned, leased, or controlled by Davis Technical College.

1. Utah Code §53-5a-102.2 Open and concealed carry of a firearm outside of an individual’s residence
2. Utah Code §53H-3-902 Power of boards and institutions to adopt rules and enact regulations
3. Utah Code §76-8-311.1 Establishment of secure areas
4. Utah Code Title 76, Chapter 10 – Weapons
5. Utah Code §76-11-205.5. Openly carrying a dangerous weapon at an institution of higher education

1. Campus Property - All buildings, grounds, facilities, parking areas, and other property owned, leased, operated, or controlled by Davis Technical College.
2. Concealed Firearm - A firearm carried in a manner that is not readily visible to ordinary observation. A firearm carried under this policy must remain concealed unless otherwise authorized by law.
3. Dangerous Weapon - Any item or device capable of causing death or serious bodily injury, or any item defined as a dangerous weapon under Utah law.
4. Firearm - A device capable of expelling or propelling a projectile by action of an explosive or other means, as defined by Utah law.
5. Open Carry - Carrying a firearm or weapon in a manner where it is visible or readily observable to another person.
6. Secure Area - An area designated in accordance with Utah law where firearms and dangerous weapons are prohibited. Secure areas may include locations with security measures established by the College as permitted by law.
7. Prohibited Person - An individual who is not legally permitted to possess or carry a firearm under applicable federal or Utah law.
8. Weapon - Any firearm, dangerous weapon, or other item designed, made, or intended to cause death or serious bodily injury, or any item prohibited under applicable law.
9. Campus Security - Davis Technical College personnel assigned to support campus safety through prevention, education, emergency response, incident reporting, access control, and coordination with law enforcement. Campus Security personnel are not sworn peace officers and do not maintain law enforcement authority beyond that granted by law.
10. Active Threat - A situation involving an individual actively causing or attempting to cause serious bodily injury or death through the use of a firearm, weapon, or other means requiring an immediate emergency response.
11. Concealed Firearm Permit - A permit issued by the State of Utah or another state that authorizes an individual to lawfully carry a concealed firearm, when applicable under Utah law.

1. Concealed Firearms
   1. Utah Code 53-5a, section 102.2, allows an individual 21 years of age or older to conceal a dangerous weapon at an institution of higher education without a concealed carry permit. Individuals aged 18 to 21 years must have a provisional permit issued by the State of Utah. Individuals who have a provisional, temporary, or regular concealed carry permit from Utah or another state may still conceal carry on campus.
   2. An individual 21 years old or older without a concealed carry permit may not open carry a firearm in any manner on the premises of an institution of higher education. On duty, local, state, and Federal law enforcement officers are permitted to open carry.
   3. Individuals lawfully carrying a firearm on campus shall keep the firearm concealed unless otherwise authorized by law.
2. Open Carry of Firearms
   1. Generally, individuals may not openly carry a firearm on the campus of Davis Technical College. Possession of a concealed firearm permit does not authorize an individual to openly carry a firearm on campus.
   2. Exceptions include sworn local, state, or federal law enforcement officers acting within the scope of their official duties, individuals lawfully responding to an active threat, and other exceptions specifically authorized under Utah law.
3. Firearms in Vehicles
   1. Utah law permits individuals who may lawfully possess a firearm to possess a firearm inside their privately owned vehicle while the vehicle is lawfully located on College property and remains under the individual’s lawful control.
4. Secure Areas
   1. Firearms and dangerous weapons are prohibited in locations designated as secure areas in accordance with Utah law. Secure areas will be identified through appropriate signage and security measures.
5. Prohibited Weapons and Conduct
   1. Nothing in this policy authorizes the possession of weapons prohibited by federal or Utah law.
   2. Individuals may not display, brandish, threaten another person with, or unlawfully use a firearm or dangerous weapon on College property. Individuals may not possess firearms or weapons if prohibited by state or federal law.
   3. Explosive devices, destructive devices, and other prohibited weapons as defined by law are not permitted on College property.

1. Davis Technical College does not maintain its own police department. The College Safety & Risk Management Department and Campus Security personnel support campus safety through prevention, education, emergency response, incident reporting, and coordination with local law enforcement.
2. Campus Security personnel are not sworn peace officers and do not possess law enforcement authority beyond that granted to private citizens under Utah law. Campus Security does not replace the authority or function of law enforcement agencies. When police authority, criminal investigation, or emergency law enforcement response is required, the College will coordinate with the appropriate local, state, or federal law enforcement agency.
3. Reporting Weapons Concerns
   1. Any individual who observes a firearm or weapon being displayed in a threatening, unsafe, or unlawful manner should immediately report the concern to Campus Security. If there is an immediate threat to life or safety, individuals should call 911 and notify Campus Security when it is safe to do so.
   2. Members of the College community should not approach or confront an armed individual unless necessary to protect themselves or others from an immediate threat.
4. Firearms Awareness and Response
   1. The lawful possession of a concealed firearm on campus, by itself, does not constitute suspicious or criminal activity. Members of the College community should not assume that an individual carrying a concealed firearm is violating College policy or Utah law.
   2. Concerns should be reported when a firearm is openly displayed in violation of Utah law, a firearm is displayed in a threatening or reckless manner, a weapon is used to intimidate or threaten another person, an individual appears to be prohibited from possessing a firearm, or other behavior creates a concern for the safety of the campus community.
5. Emergency Response
   1. During an active threat or emergency involving a weapon, students, employees, and visitors should follow Davis Technical College emergency procedures and instructions provided by emergency personnel.
   2. Individuals should:
      1. Call 911 when it is safe to do so.
      2. Notify Campus Security.
      3. Follow emergency notifications and instructions.
      4. Use appropriate emergency response actions, including Run, Hide, Fight principles when applicable.
6. Enforcement
   1. Davis Technical College will promote awareness and compliance with applicable firearm laws and College policy. Violations of Utah or federal law may be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
   2. Violations of this policy may result in administrative action, including student disciplinary action, employee disciplinary action, removal from College property, termination of contracts or facility use agreements, and other corrective actions as applicable.