Weapons

ADM 18.2

Except for the permitted exceptions described below, firearms and other weapons may not be carried, possessed, or used on property owned or occupied by the Archdiocese, a parish, or Archdiocesan school or during any events or activities of the Archdiocese, a parish, or Archdiocesan school.

Purpose:

  • To provide for the safety of students and staff.

Commentary/Procedural Points:

  • Firearm – The term firearm refers to firearms of every and any type, including handguns, pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, muskets, assault weapons, zip guns, and any other similar device.

  • Weapon – For purposes of this Policy, weapons and dangerous instruments shall include, but are not limited to:

(1) Firearms;

(2) Cutting and puncturing devices, including dirks, daggers, knives and razors;

(3) Explosive and/or incendiary devices, including pipe bombs, time bombs, cap guns, containers of inflammable fluids, tear gas, pepper gas, mace, and other hazardous devices;

(4) Any other dangerous device, instrument or weapon, including a blackjack, slingshot, billy club, nunchaku, metal knuckles or any metal plate or other object of any type or description designed to be used as a weapon;

(5) Imitation weapons, including any device, not inherently dangerous in and of itself, designed or utilized for the purpose of imitating or appearing to be a weapon or dangerous instrumentality as defined in numbers 1 through 4 above;

(6) Any other device capable of inflicting grievous or serious bodily harm which, although not initially designed to be utilized as a weapon, is utilized as a weapon and/or for the purposes of committing an assault or battery or threatening the physical well-being of another individual such as a baseball bat, a tire iron or any other object when utilized as herein defined.

SCOPE

  • The prohibition on firearms and weapons extends to all buildings, grounds, and property, including unimproved land, owned or occupied by the Archdiocese, a parish, or Archdiocesan school. The prohibition on firearms and weapons also extends to events and activities of the Archdiocese, a parish, or Archdiocesan school, regardless of where the event or activity is held (i.e., at a third-party venue).

  • The Archdiocese, a parish, or Archdiocesan school may adopt additional policies related to weapons (for instance, policies directed to employees or students) that are more restrictive than the terms of this Policy. To the extent the terms of any weapons policy are less stringent than the terms of this Policy, however, the terms of this Policy shall control.

PERMITTED EXCEPTIONS

  • The prohibition on firearms and weapons does not apply to:

1. Current law enforcement officers performing their lawful duties;

2. Off-duty officers acting in accordance with departmental regulations including carrying appropriate law enforcement credentials;

3. Retired law enforcement officers who have separated in good standing, maintain a properly issued carry permit through the State of Maryland, maintain proper credentialing in accordance with the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) handgun qualification for the current year, and are in possession of their LEOSA identification card;

4. A person hired by the Archdiocese, a parish, or school specifically for the purpose of guarding the Archdiocesan, parish, or school property;

5. A person engaged in approved, organized shooting activity for educational purposes;

6. A person who, with a written invitation from the parish administrator or school principal, displays or engages in a historical demonstration displaying a weapon or a replica of a weapon for educational purposes;

7. Armored car service employees lawfully carrying a firearm while performing their duties;

8. Weapons kept by priests in their personal living quarters, provided that the weapons are lawfully possessed and kept locked in a secured place and, in the case of firearms, are kept unloaded;

9. Weapons used or possessed by the Archdiocese, a parish, or School for use as a tool or utensil (e.g, kitchen knives).

10. Swords or similar decorative weapons carried by honor guards (e.g., for the funerals or weddings of military or law enforcement members) or members of the Knights of Columbus; and

11. Lawfully possessed firearms and weapons kept unloaded and locked in an individuals’ vehicle.

NOTICE OF POLICY

  • Archdiocesan, parish, and school administrators should make parishioners, employees, student families, and other members of their communities aware of this Policy.

  • If an Archdiocesan, parish, or school administrator is aware that an individual qualifying for permitted exception (1), (2), or (3) plans to attend an event or activity held at a third-party venue, the administrator should request that the individual contact the venue to determine whether the venue will permit the individual to carry a weapon.

PENALTIES

  • Employees or students who violate this Policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination (in the case of employees) or expulsion (in the case of students). Parishioners, visitors, parents, and other community members who violate the terms of this Policy may be prohibited from accessing Archdiocesan, parish, or Archdiocesan school property or attending Archdiocesan, parish, or Archdiocesan school events or activities.

References:

  • Archdiocese of Baltimore Weapons Policy SECTION: Risk Management SUBSECTION #01 Firearms and Weapons Prohibited

October 2017