34.06.02.R1 Firearms Rule

Effective: June 24, 2005

Supplements System Policy: 34.06

Supplements System Regulation: 34.06.02

1. STATEMENT OF PROHIBITION OF FIREARMS

Concealed handguns, unlicensed handguns and all other firearms are not permitted in any Texas A&M University-Commerce building or portion of a building, state vehicle, or on any grounds on which an activity sponsored by Texas A&M University-Commerce is being conducted. Exceptions to this prohibition may be made as authorized by law or as provided below. Texas A&M University-Commerce will follow Texas Penal Code Section 46.035 in the administration of this rule.

2. LICENSED POLICE OFFICERS

Licensed peace officers are authorized by law to carry firearms at all times.

3. APPLICATION PROCEDURES

The following process must be initiated with the University Police Department (UPD) and satisfactorily completed before anyone other than police officers will be granted authorization to possess firearms:

3.1 Application for authorization must be made in writing to the University Chief of Police and must include:

(1) All identifier information related to the person requesting authorization, including:

(a) Full legal name,
(b) Date of birth,
(c) Driver's license number, and
(d) Current address and phone number;

(2) Justification for the exception to the rule of possessing firearm;

(3) Any arrest records; and

(4) Whether the applicant holds a state issued (Texas or otherwise) concealed handgun license, if requesting authorization to possess a handgun.

3.2 After application has been made, the University Police Department will perform a criminal history check on the individual and verify all information given on the application.

3.3 Criminal history checks may be obtained at the local Department of Public Safety. The results of the criminal history check must be supplied by the applicant to the Chief of Police for review. The Chief of Police will then forward this information, along with the recommendation for consideration, to the Vice President for Business and Administration (VPBA).

3.4 If authorization is granted, that authorization must be in writing and available at all times for inspection by any official of the university. The written authorization will contain:

(1) A specific timeframe for which the authorization is valid;

(2) The purpose for which the authorization was granted;

(3 Signature of the Chief of Police or his/her designee; and

(4) Signature of the VPBA or his/her designee.

3.5 Any person receiving authorization to possess a firearm pursuant to this rule shall have the original written authorization with him/her at all times while on property owned or controlled by Texas A&M University-Commerce. A photocopy of the authorization is not valid.

3.6 Upon receiving approval from the Vice President of Business Administration, the weapon must be brought to the University Police Department for a complete safety inspection. The safety inspection will be done by appointment with the University Police’s firearms instructor or, in his/her absence, a certified police officer.
Prior to receiving VPBA approval and a safety inspection, the weapon may not be brought on any campus property.

3.7 The application process should not take more than seven (7) working days to complete once the application is submitted.

4. DURATION OF AUTHORIZATION

Authorizations will be valid for only the approved date(s) and then will automatically expire. If more time is needed, another application will need to be submitted.

5. MAINTENANCE OF AUTHORIZATIONS

A list of authorizations will be maintained by the University Police Department and verification will be available through the dispatch center 24 hours a day.

6. AUTHORIZATIONS FOR THEATRE PRODUCTIONS

Texas A&M University-Commerce understands the need to occasionally use realistic items in its theatre productions; however, approval must be obtained through the same channels before bringing/storing/using any firearms on campus.

Contact for Interpretation: Vice President for Business and Administration