Firearms Policy

University policy prohibits the use, possession, or carrying of firearms while on University-owned or controlled property, or at University sponsored or supervised activities. Likewise, keeping a firearm in any locker or storage area of any building of the University is prohibited. Firearms shall not be kept in any vehicle on Penn State Harrisburg property. Students having personally owned firearms may safely store them at the Department of University Police and Public Safety located in the Susquehanna Building.

Violators of this policy will face disciplinary action via the University discipline system. In certain circumstances (e.g. carrying a loaded firearm concealed in a motor vehicle without a valid concealed firearms permit, possession of an enumerated firearm under the Federal Crime Bill, etc.) such possession may subject the student to criminal prosecution under Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or federal statutes. Any weapon found in violation will be seized and will be returned to the student under proper court order.

Procedure for Storing

As stated above, keeping a firearm in any locker or storage area of any building of the University other than at the Department of University Police and Public Safety is prohibited. Students must make arrangements to store their firearms by calling 717-948-6232. Firearms will be kept in a secure Gun Safe in the patrol office.

To reduce delays, especially during evenings or weekends, please CALL IN ADVANCE when either CHECKING IN OR OUT A FIREARM. Students must personally appear to retrieve their stored firearm. Student identification and one confirming identification document will be required to store and check out a weapon.

All firearms brought to University Police and Public Safety MUST BE UNLOADED and, if in a gun case, UNLOCKED. All firearms are subject to inspection prior to storage to determine whether on not they are loaded or unleaded. Firearms (long guns and handguns) will be stored in a gun safe. Carrying cases will be stored in a separate locker. Ammunition will be stored separately.

Other Weapons

The use, possession or carrying of weapons while on University-owned or controlled property or at University-sponsored or supervised activities is prohibited.

Weapons

Weapons are defined as any instruments or implements which are capable of inflicting serious bodily injury, and shall include but not be limited to:

  • Any rifle, shotgun, handgun, machine gun, or other firearm, or antique firearms suitable for use; any air gun, spring gun, B-B gun, or implement that is not a firearm, which propels a pellet of any kind with a force that can reasonably be expected to cause bodily harm; any starter pistol, flare gun, tranquilizer gun, stun gun, zip gun, spear gun, dart gun, sling shot; or ammunition of any type for weapons governed by these regulations.
  • Any knife with a blade larger than that of a folding pocket knife; dagger; razor or other cutting instrument, the blade of which is exposed in an automatic way by switch, push-button, spring mechanism, or otherwise..
  • Any martial arts weapons to include nunchakus, tonfas, staffs, and throwing stars.
  • Any bow and arrow combination.
  • Any device which discharges chemical irritant or tear gas and smoke grenades.
  • Any incendiary device to include flammable liquids enclosed in readily breakable containers that can be equipped with an igniter of any type.
  • Any explosive device to include hand grenades, bombs, black powder, smokeless powder, percussion caps, friction primers, and pyrotechnic fuses.

The term weapon does not include paintball guns and paintball markers.