Weapons on Campus

(Excerpted from the Board of Trustees’ Policy, 4.23, adopted May 18, 1992)

The use or possession of weapons (as defined in section 53-206 of the Connecticut General Statutes) is prohibited on college campuses or at college activities except as authorized by Board or College policies. Colleges are hereby authorized to develop policies that allow for specific exemptions to the extent permitted by law.

“Deadly weapon” means any weapon, whether loaded or unloaded, from which a shot may be discharged, or a switchblade knife, gravity knife, billy, blackjack, bludgeon, or metal knuckles. The definition of “deadly weapon” in this subdivision shall be deemed not to apply section 29-38 or 53-206. “Firearm” means any sawed-off shotgun, machine gun, rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver, or other weapon whether loaded or unloaded from which a shot may be discharged.

CGS 53-206 defines a dangerous weapon as “any BB gun, black jack, metal or brass knuckles, or any dirk knife, or any switch knife, or any knife having an automatic spring release device by which a blade is released from the handle, having a blade of over one and one-half inches in length, or stiletto, or any knife the edged portion of the blade of which is four inches or more in length, any police baton or nightstick, martial arts weapon or electronic defense weapon, as defined in section 53a-3, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument. “Martial Arts Weapon” means a hunchaku, kama, kasari-fundo, octagon sal, tonfa or chinese star, “electronic defense weapon” means a weapon which by electronic impulse or current is capable immobilizing a peson temporarily but is not capable of inflicting death or serious physical injury, including a stun gun or other conductive energy device.

“Dangerous instrument” means any instrument, article or substance which under the circumstances in which it is used or attempted or threatened to be used, is capable of causing death or serious physical injury, and it includes a “vehicle” as that term is defined in this section and includes a dog that has been commanded to attack, except a dog owned by law enforcement agency of the state or any political subdivision thereof or of the federal government when such a dog is in the performance of its duties under the direct supervision, care and control of an assigned law enforcement officer.

NVCC Policy Exemptions

(Clarified by College President, July 1998)

The NVCC Policy follows the Board of Trustees’ Policy, 4.23 with these specific exemptions that allow the following individuals to use or possess weapons under the specific conditions described:

1. On-duty peace officers with jurisdiction* on campus, in uniform with proper carry device (holster).
2. On-duty police officers with jurisdiction* on campus, in civilian clothing, with proper concealment from view.
   • *Jurisdiction is to be recognized as the officer being on official business and having the statutory right of carrying out that business on NVCC properties.
3. The use or possession of a weapon may be approved to illustrate in an educational class, lecture, demonstration, or as part of an approved ceremony or program. This third exemption must have the prior written approval of the Dean of Academic Affairs, the Provost/Senior Dean of Administration and the Director of Public Safety. Forms to be used in seeking this approval are available in the Public Safety Department. The Public Safety Department will not take the responsibility of storing, caring for or handling personal weapons in any manner, except in cases of confiscation for a criminal offense or policy violation.