Definitions
For purposes of this policy, “dangerous weapons” is defined in Wisconsin Statutes, as amended
from time to time. Examples of dangerous weapons include: all firearms, compressed gas
operated weapons, and electric weapons as defined in Section 941.295 of the Wisconsin Statutes,
billy clubs, bows of legal hunting strength, explosives, metallic knuckles or any substance which
would be put to the same use with the same or similar effect as metallic knuckles; a nunchaku or
any similar weapon consisting of two sticks of wood, plastic or metal, connected at one end by a
length of rope, chain, wire or leather; a cestus or similar material weighted with metal or other
substance and worn on the hand; a shuriken or any similar pointed star like object intended to
injure a person when thrown; a chain having weighted ends; any switchblade knife; any knife
with a blade longer than three inches; baton of any type; explosive devices of any type; any
"look-alike" instrument or weapon (i.e., "BB gun," pellet gun); oleoresin capsicum spray (pepper
spray); or any other device which, in the manner it is used or intended to be used is calculated or
likely to produce bodily harm or death.
General Prohibitions
The use, placement, concealment, creation, manufacture, transportation, or possession of
dangerous weapons in FVTC buildings (owned or leased), FVTC owned vehicles, all FVTC
leased or owned properties, or at an FVTC sponsored event as defined in Sec. 943.13(1e)(h),
Wis. Stats. held on public or private property off campus which is posted is strictly prohibited,
except as expressly permitted hereafter or allowed by law.
Any legal weapons maintained or possessed in a vehicle must be unloaded (except for handguns)
and stored out of sight in a locked vehicle.
Any person in legal possession of a weapon in an area
not prohibited is responsible for complying with all applicable local, state, and federal statutes,
rules, and regulations.
Illegal weapons are prohibited on all College property. Any person who is prohibited by state or
federal law or court order from possessing firearms is prohibited from possessing firearms on all
College property.
Students and Employees and Weapons
FVTC students and employees shall not use, place, transport or possess dangerous weapons in
FVTC buildings or while acting as an employee of FVTC, or while attending a FVTC sponsored
event as defined in Sec. 943.13(1e)(h), Wis. Stats. Employees and students must also observe the
policy developed by any employer or property owner at any alternative site visited for college
business or for instruction.
Policy Section: Health & Safety
Policy Title: Weapons
Page 2 of 2
FVTC recognizes certain exceptions to the foregoing policy as expressly set forth below:
I. Exception for Authorized Peace Officers, On-Duty Military Personnel and Federal Law Enforcement Officers: A dangerous weapon may legally be used, placed,
transported or possessed on FVTC campuses, grounds, facilities, or buildings or at FVTC
sponsored functions held on public or private property by an on-or off-duty law local or
state Wisconsin enforcement officer, a qualified on- or off- duty out of state local or state
law enforcement officer as defined in Sec. 941.23(2)(b), Stats., a former qualified law
enforcement officer as defined in Sec. 941.23(2)(c), Stats , an on-duty member of the
military, an on-or-off-duty federal law enforcement officer when authorized or required
to do so by his or her direct supervisor or commanding officer and in accordance with
applicable agency rules and policies.
II. Exception for Use, Placement, Transportation or Possession of Weapons by Students and Employees in Instructional Programs: A dangerous weapon may be
used, placed, transported or possessed (“possession”) in campus buildings by any
instructor or student in a course when such possession is authorized, in advance, is
necessary for training purposes and is consistent with specific program practices and
procedures.
A. Possession by a student must be authorized in advance by the instructor.
B. Possession by the instructor is authorized by the dean of the instructional program
with oversight by the Executive Vice President/Chief Academic Officer.
C. Any firearms so authorized shall be unloaded at all times in FVTC buildings, except
when being used for authorized instructional activities on the firing range or (when
used with non-lethal marking cartridges) in other authorized areas.
D. Any firearms or compound bows so authorized shall be encased at all times in FVTC
buildings except when being used in a classroom demonstration or other authorized
instructional activity.
E. The instructor and/or the Executive Vice President/Chief Academic Officer
are authorized to create additional safety and security procedures if deemed necessary
to maintain a safe learning and working environment.
F. All required safety and security procedures must be observed prior to, during and
after the course of instruction.
III. Exception for Carrying Oleoresin Capsicum Pepper Spray
A. Employees over the age of 18 of the FVTC Security Services Staff will be allowed to
carry Oleoresin Capsicum Pepper Spray as approved and issued by the Manager of
Security Services.
B. Consistent with Wis. Stat. § 941.26(4), pepper spray may be used only in self-defense
of security personnel or in the defense of another on FVTC campuses, buildings and
grounds. It may also be deployed on an animal for self-defense purposes.