Weapons and Replica Weapons Policy

Approval: Senior Leadership Team
Responsibility: Director, Campus Security and Emergency Services
Current Approval: November, 2023; May, 2016
Previous Approval: 2001

Definitions

Ammunition:    A cartridge containing a projectile designed to be discharged from a Firearm and, without restricting the generality of the foregoing, includes a caseless cartridge and a shot shell; (munitions).

Authorized Firearms User:    A person who has completed the training required to hold a Possession and Acquisition License (PAL), requires a Firearm to conduct Queen's University field research, and has been authorized by their Dean in writing to do so. Authorized Users must comply with all Firearms relevant legislation dealing with, but not limited to, the licensing, registration, control, use, transport, and storage of a Firearm and Ammunitions and prove legal possession of PAL and registration certificate to authorities upon request.
 
Community Members:    Members of the university community include but are not limited to Queen’s employees, students, volunteers, visiting professors, contractors, visitors, and other individuals who live, work, study, or carry out services on University Property.

Firearm:     A barreled Weapon from which any shot, bullet or other projectile can be discharged, and that is capable of causing serious bodily injury or death to a person and includes any frame or receiver of such a barreled Weapon and anything that can be adopted for use as a Firearm.  

Organizer:     The individual with direct responsibility for planning or leading an event or theatrical production and/or film with the use of Replica Weapons.

Principal Investigator:    Individual who has primary responsibility for the design, execution, and management of a research project and who will be involved in the project in a significant manner.

Replica Weapon:     Any item that looks or acts like a Weapon/Ammunition and/or that a person would reasonably believe is a Weapon/Ammunition.

University Property:    Any land and/or building owned, controlled, leased, used, or occupied by Queen’s University at Kingston inclusive of living and/or learning spaces, open/outdoor spaces, workplaces, parking lots and university-owned Vehicles.   

Weapon:     A manufactured device designed to injure or kill. A Weapon includes a device and accompanying components used in operating a Weapon, or anything designed to look like a Weapon. Examples of Weapons include, but are not limited to, Firearms, explosives, fireworks, air guns, pellet guns, BB guns, crossbows, long bows, swords, martial arts Weapons, prohibited edged Weapons under the Criminal Code of Canada, hunting or fishing knifes, brass knuckles, Replica Weapons, any prohibited device as defined by the Criminal Code of Canada, such as pipe bombs, or any device capable of ejecting, hurling or firing a projectile by any means (e.g., slings, slingshots, potato cannons).

Policy Purpose

Queen’s University is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for University Community Members. Accordingly, the presence of Weapons and Replica Weapons are prohibited on Queen’s University Property.

This Policy outlines the conditions under which an exception to the use of Weapons and Replica Weapons on University Property can be approved, the process for requesting approval, and identifies authority for addressing non-compliance issues.

Policy Scope

This Policy applies to all Queen’s University Community Members. No part of this Policy is intended to replace any law established by a federal, provincial, or municipal authority. This Policy puts in place additional controls not prescribed by the law which are in the best interests of the safety of its Community Members.

Any use of Firearms and/or Ammunition, used to support the conduct of research (for example, fieldwork in a remote area where aggressive wildlife may exist, or in a laboratory), will fall under the scope of this Policy.

This Policy exempts ceremonial knives carried or used to meet religious obligations and small folding or utility knives used for a lawful purpose that are not brandished or worn in such a manner as to cause concern or alarm. As an example, Kirpans can be carried if the blade is less than 3 inches in length and worn close to the body in a sheath.

This Policy does not apply to Police Officers, Peace Officers or Licensed Guards carrying issued Firearms and Weapons in the performance of their duties.

This Policy does not override or diminish the rights provided to employees under collective agreements.  Where there is a conflict between this Policy or its Procedures and a collective agreement, the terms of the relevant collective agreement shall govern.

Policy Statement

Queen’s University is committed to Indigenization - Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism, and Accessibility (I-EDIAA) in all aspects of university life and fosters a respectful, safe, and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, staff, visitors, and contractors while promoting the highest level of safety and security in all of its activities.

• No person, while on University Property, shall store, or carry a Weapon, Replica Weapon, and/or Ammunition.
• This Policy identifies and grants the authority to the Director, Campus Security and Emergency Services to approve or deny requests for exemptions under the policy to use Weapons, Replica Weapons, or Ammunition on Queen’s University Property.
• No Weapons, Replica Weapons, or Ammunition are permitted to be in any Queen’s University residence or Queen’s Community Housing units whether for use or storage and must be immediately and safely removed in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Removal of Unauthorized Weapons on Campus section below.
• No Weapons, Replica Weapons, or Ammunition are permitted on Queen’s University Property without an exemption being approved by the Director, Campus Security and Emergency Services.  
• Manufacturing of Weapons, Replica Weapons, or Ammunition is prohibited on Queen’s University Property without an exemption being approved by the Director, Campus Security and Emergency Services.
• A list of all approved Weapons and Replica Weapons on University property must be maintained by the Department Head or Dean with a copy provided to Campus Security and Emergency Services. The list shall contain the following information:
  1. Location of storage and description of secure storage device.
  2. Make
  3. Model
  4. Serial number
  5. Ammunition
  6. Authorized Firearms Users
• Campus Security and Emergency Services is responsible for providing information related to the approval and/or recovery of Weapons and Replica Weapons on University Property to all relevant university partners (for example, Department Heads, Directors, etc.).   

Exceptions

Exceptions to the Policy may be granted for a Queen’s-sanctioned event or activity (for example, Queen’s archery club, on-campus theatrical or film productions requiring Replica Weapons, and Queen’s martial arts club). For clubs that use Weapons an exemption must be received annually at the beginning of the academic year (September) and for theatrical and film productions using Replica Weapons an exemption must be received for the duration of the activity and expires at the completion of the production.

• Exceptions for such events or activities require written approval signed by the appropriate Dean, Director, or Department Head which must be submitted to the Director, Campus Security and Emergency Services for final approval.     
• Final written approval from the Director, Campus Security and Emergency Services must include the following:
  • a detailed list of Weapons and/or Ammunition and Replica Weapons that are approved and for what purpose;
  • identification of who has permission to use the Weapons, Replica Weapons and/or Ammunition;
  • identification of the timeframe that the Weapons, Replica Weapons and/or Ammunition will be on University Property;
  • a description of the provisions made for safe storage of the Weapons, Replica Weapons and/or Ammunition when not in use.
• The Director of Campus Security and Emergency Services is responsible for resolving any security concerns directly with the Dean, Director, or Department Head in advance of the event taking place.
• Campus Security and Emergency Services is responsible for informing the relevant university departments/units (and, if appropriate, the Kingston Police) about any sanctioned activities taking place on Queen’s University Property involving Weapons, Replica Weapons and/or Ammunition.
• Any approved Weapons, Replica Weapons and/or Ammunition (real or simulated) that are required to be stored on Queen’s University Property must be stored safely and in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies by the Department responsible for the event or activity.
• Exceptions for any reason not specifically included in this policy must be approved by the Director, Campus Security and Emergency Services.

Use of Weapons and Replica Weapons in Queen's University Approved Research

• The relevant Department Head is responsible for approval of the use of a Weapon or Replica Weapon for research purposes. They must notify Campus Security and Emergency Services of the existence of the Weapon, Ammunition, and/or Replica Weapon nature of the research. The Weapon and Ammunition or Replica Weapon must be tracked as per the requirements under this Policy.
• The Department Head must educate all members under their supervision about the provisions of this Policy.
• The Principal Investigator (PI) and Department Head must ensure the Weapon(s) is in compliance with the relevant legislation, in the jurisdiction(s) where the Weapon(s) will be used and/or stored, dealing with but not limited to the licensing, registration, control, use, transport, and storage of a Weapon and Ammunitions.
• Research on or with Weapons or Ammunition or Replica Weapons in a laboratory may activate the requirement under the Controlled Goods Regulations and the University’s controlled goods program. Principal Investigators must consult with the Department of Environmental Health & Safety prior to requesting the exemption under this Policy from the Director or Campus Security and Emergency Services.

Use of Replica Weapons Approved for Theatrical or Film Production

• The use of Weapons (other than Replica Weapons) is prohibited during theatrical or film productions on University Property.
• Use of Replica Weapons in theatrical or film productions on University Property must have an exemption approved in advance by the Department Head and the Director of Campus Security and Emergency Services.
• Replica Weapons are not permitted to have the ability to be filled with and/or be able to discharge blank ammunition (simunition). Replica Ammunition containing gunpowder/propellant is not permitted (e.g., must be a dummy cartridge only).
• External production companies and Queen’s University Community Members wanting to shoot videos and film activities on University Property that use Replica Weapons must adhere to the provisions and restrictions as set out in this Policy. Organizers must seek approval under the Queen's University Film Policy and complete the Queen's University Weapons Policy Request Form.
• The theatrical/film production manager (Organizer) must ensure appropriate training for actors and/or stagehands who will be handling Replica Weapons in their roles.
• To ensure safety and to address any concerns that University Community Members may raise at theatrical/filming locations Organizers must post signage on all main entrances to areas being used for productions/plays/filming: “Play and/or Filming in progress with Replica Weapons.” Signs must be installed preproduction and taken down post-production on any day on which the Replica Weapons may be used.
• The Organizer must contact the Queen’s Emergency Report Centre (at 613-533-6080) before the start of the play or filming and when the production has ended that day to report the use of an approved Weapon.
• As part of the approval process Campus Security and Emergency Services must be advised of any transportation of Weapons including Replica Weapons being used in theatrical/film productions on Queen’s University property.
• All Replica Weapons must be securely stored, not publicly visible and in a non-descript case when not in use.

Removal of Unauthorized Weapons on Campus

• Weapons, excluding Firearms:
  • Weapons and Replica Weapons located on University Property that are legally possessed by the owner but not permitted under the Weapons Policy must be safely moved by the owner/user and stored permanently off University Property.
  • Campus Security and Emergency Services is responsible for the seizure of any Weapons and Replica Weapons found on University Property for which there is not written authorization from Campus Security and Emergency Services.
• Firearms:
  • Firearms and/or Ammunition located on University Property in contravention of the Weapons Policy but lawfully in possession by the owner must be safely moved by the owner and stored permanently off campus in accordance with the Government of Canada Firearms Act, Authorized Transportation of Firearms.  
  • Campus Security and Emergency Services in consultation with the Kingston Police will assist in the removal of any unauthorized Firearms found on University Property.
  • Any Firearms on Queen’s University Property requiring seizure shall be seized and retained by the Kingston Police when there is legal authority to do so.
  • In the event any Firearms are turned over to Campus Security and Emergency Services, they will immediately turn them over to the Kingston Police, who will prove the Firearm safe and store or dispose of the Firearm, at their discretion.

Sanctions

• Individuals in possession of unauthorized Weapons or Replica Weapons on University Property may be subject to disciplinary action, lease termination, or prohibition from Queen’s University Property.
• Employees may face disciplinary action, up to and including termination from the University, depending on the circumstances.
• Students may be subject to non-academic misconduct sanctions under the Student Code of Conduct.
• In the case of prohibited Weapons under the Criminal Code of Canada or non-registered Firearms and other illegal Weapons, the individual may also be subject to criminal prosecution.
• Campus Security and Emergency Services is responsible for working closely with university and community partners (e.g., University Secretariat and Legal Counsel, Human Resources, Faculty Relations, Threat Assessment Team, Non- Academic Misconduct Intake Office (NAMIO), Kingston Police) to provide the necessary information that may be required to assist with any disciplinary action.   

Related Policies, Procedures, Guidelines

Queen's University Workplace Violence Policy

Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy

Student Code of Conduct

Film Policy

Policies Superseded by this Policy: N/A
Responsible Officer: VP, Finance and Administration
Contact: Director, Campus Security and Emergency Services
Date for Next Review: 2028