Weapons Policy

 

Policy Number

OPER_0084

Policy Statement

In order to promote a safe and secure community college and learning environment, GCCC prohibits the possession or use of weapons on campus and at off-campus activities, other than as set forth below.

In accordance with the Kansas Personal and Family Protection Act, K.S.A. 75-7c01, et seq, and other applicable federal/state laws, it is permissible and will not be a violation of this policy for the:

1. carrying of a concealed handgun on campus by legally qualified individuals, pursuant to Kansas law, and also in accordance with the concealed carry restrictions set forth below,
2. lawful carrying of a concealed handgun by an employee performing college duties at an off-campus activity, when in accordance with applicable laws/policies for such location,
3. lawful possession of a handgun within a personal/non-college vehicle,
4. lawful possession of weapons:

1. 1. by GCCC Police officers or other law enforcement officers while acting within the scope of their employment, or by others authorized in writing by the GCCC Campus Police Chief or designee, or
   2. as necessary for the conduct of college approved programs.

Procedures

Concealed Carry

Each individual who lawfully possesses a handgun on campus shall be wholly and solely responsible for carrying, storing and using that handgun in a safe manner and in accordance with the law and this policy. Individuals who carry a handgun on campus must carry it concealed on or about their person at all times. “Concealed” means completely hidden from view and does not reveal the handgun in any way, shape or form. “About” the person means that an individual may carry a handgun if it can be carried securely in a suitable carrier, such as a backpack, purse, handbag or other personal carrier designed and intended for the carrying of an individual’s personal items. Moreover, the carrier must at all times remain within the exclusive and uninterrupted control of the individual. This includes wearing the carrier with one or more straps consistent with the carrier’s design, carrying or holding the carrier or setting the carrier next to or within the immediate reach/control of the individual. It shall be a violation of this policy to openly display any lawfully possessed handgun while on campus.

Restrictions Pursuant to Kansas Law

Kansas law states that the only type of firearm that an individual can carry while concealed is a handgun as defined herein. The following restrictions applicable to all firearms specifically apply to the concealed carrying of a handgun under Kansas law and this policy, and the violation of any of the following restrictions is a crime under Kansas law and a violation of this policy:

• An individual in possession of a concealed firearm must be at least 21 years of age [K.S.A. 21-6302(a)(4)];
• A firearm cannot be carried by an individual:
  • under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or both, to such a degree as to render the individual unable to safely operate the firearm [K.S.A. 21-6332],
  • who is both addicted to and an unlawful user of a controlled substance [K.S.A. 21-6301(a)(10)],
  • who is or has been a mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment [K.S.A. 21-6301(a)(13)],
  • with an alcohol or substance abuse problem subject to involuntary commitment [K.S.A. 21-6301(a)(13)],
  • who has been convicted of a felony crime [K.S.A. 21-6304];
• An automatic firearm cannot be carried [K.S.A. 21-6301(a)(5)];
• A cartridge which can be fired by a handgun and which has a plastic-coated bullet with a core of less than 60% lead by weight is illegal [K.S.A. 21-6301(a)(6)];
• Suppressors and silencers cannot be used with a firearm [K.S.A. 21-6301(a)(4)]; and,
• Firearms cannot be fired in the corporate limits of the City of Garden City, Kansas, at a dwelling, or at a structure or vehicle in which people are present, except in self-defense [K.S.A. 21-6308; 6308a].

There are no campus buildings or public areas that have been permanently designated to prohibit concealed handguns with Adequate Security Measures (ASMs) in place. However, the GCCC Police Department may temporarily designate a specific location as prohibiting concealed handguns and use temporary ASMs as defined and required by law. Appropriate notice will be given whenever this temporary designation is made.

Campus locations leased by GCCC or used for off-campus activity, and owned by an entity that may lawfully exclude or permit firearms at their premises (concealed or otherwise), may choose at their sole discretion to exclude or permit handguns from their premises, notwithstanding a lease or use arrangement with GCCC. If handguns are excluded at such locations and would otherwise be permitted by this policy, individuals are expected to comply with the rules imposed by the location.

Safety Requirements

To reduce the risk of accidental discharge on campus, when carrying a concealed handgun on campus (whether on the person or in a carrier), the concealed handgun is to be secured in a holster that completely covers the trigger and the entire trigger guard area and that secures an external hammer in an un-cocked position through the use of a strap or by other means. The holster is to have sufficient tension or grip on the handgun to retain it in the holster even when subjected to unexpected movement. Handguns with an external safety are to be carried with the safety in the “on” position. Semiautomatic handguns are to be carried without a chambered round of ammunition and revolvers with the hammer resting on an empty cylinder.

Storage

Handgun storage is not provided by GCCC. Individuals may store a handgun in the individual’s vehicle when the vehicle is locked and the handgun is secured in a location within the vehicle that is not visible from outside the vehicle; handgun storage by any other means is prohibited.

Specifically, it is prohibited for any individual to store a handgun: i) in a vehicle that is unlocked or when the handgun is visible from outside the vehicle, ii) in an individual’s office, iii) in an unattended backpack/carrier, iv) in any type of locker or v) in any other location and under any circumstances except as specifically permitted by this policy and by state and federal law.

Training

Training on the proper handling of a concealed handgun and the State of Kansas use of force statute is strongly encouraged.

Even the lawful carrying of a concealed handgun has its own risks. Any report of weapons on a GCCC campus will be addressed by GCCC Police Department and/or local police departments in coordination with the GCCC Police Department. The lawful carrying of a concealed handgun should not create concerns on campus; however, anything other than the lawful carrying of a concealed handgun has the potential to create confusion and additional risk during police responses.

Enforcement

Any individual violating this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including but not limited to suspension/expulsion, termination of employment, immediate removal/trespass from the premises and/or arrest. Enforcement of this policy will be administered by the GCCC Police Department.

Reporting

1. Suspected violations of this policy should be reported to GCCC Police Department:
   1. Call: 620-272-6828
   2. Walk- in: Student Community Service Center (SCSC) 2nd floor – GCCC Police Department Office
2. Emergency reports concerning threats or violence on campus:
   1. Call 620-272-6828 for GCCC Police Department
   2. Or call 911

Contacts

GCCC Chief of Police

Policy History

July 2, 2026: Revised to include policy number

December 19, 2025: Revised for accessibility and formatting.

August 22, 2016: Version 4

December 22, 2013: Version 3

November 25, 2013: Version 2

October 17, 2013: Version 1