Weapons on Campus
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As of July 1, 2014, Section 18-3309 of the Idaho Code allows individuals with enhanced concealed carry permits to carry weapons on public college and universities. College of Western Idaho (CWI) has worked diligently to evaluate procedures and implement changes on campus in response to this legislation to ensure our campus community remains a safe learning and working environment.
Campus Policy
The possession, wearing, carrying, transporting, or use of weapons, including firearms, while upon CWI owned or controlled properties, in CWI vehicles, and during CWI sponsored activities or events is strictly prohibited, except for authorized law enforcement officers and person exempt under Idaho law.
Any person wishing to possess, carry, transport, or use any of the above-listed items on CWI owned or controlled premises must have the express written consent of the Executive Director of Facilities Planning & Management. Violations may result in disciplinary action, up to and including, expulsion, dismissal from employment, exclusion from campus, and prosecution under appropriate local, state, or federal laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any separate business entity has likely established a policy regarding the use or carrying of weapons at their location. The policies of that organization or business entity apply as to whether concealed firearms are, or are not, permitted to be carried on their premises.
If you are authorized to carry a concealed weapon under Idaho State law and CWI’s weapons policy, you may transport a firearm in your personal vehicle if the firearm is on your person and is concealed. If you store your weapon in your vehicle, it must be concealed. Open carrying, even in a vehicle on any CWI owned or leased property, is not permitted.
CWI currently has campus locations in leased buildings including campus buildings located in Boise at the Blackeagle Center and CWI Horticulture. Currently, these locations do not have language included in their lease agreements with the College that prohibits the legal carry of a weapon on their premises. CWI allows licensed persons to carry a concealed weapon on these leased properties.
No. Under the law, carrying a concealed weapon does not need to be reported to CWI personnel. However, a carrier must present appropriate credentials when requested to do so by law enforcement personnel.
No, the College does not have armed security guards.
Your safety is of the utmost importance. If you feel you are in imminent danger, call 9-1-1. Please report other concerns to Campus Security who will call the police as necessary.
No. This would not meet the legal requirement of the firearm being concealed "on his person."
There are several differences between federal and state laws. Differences in weapon laws can be prosecuted separately. It is up to each licensed carrier to know their responsibilities and rights under federal and state law.
You cannot carry a weapon on campus with a general concealed carry permit. Concealed carry and “enhanced” concealed carry permits/licenses are different. The law clearly states that an individual must be a qualified retired law enforcement officer under Idaho Statute 18-3302H, or have an “enhanced” concealed carry license under Idaho Statute 18-3302K, in order to legally carry a concealed weapon on campus.
Campus Security will work with police to determine if a student, staff member, faculty or visitor on campus is lawfully carrying a weapon. They will also escort individuals off campus and work with local law enforcement officials as needed.
A “concealed weapon” means a weapon which is carried upon one’s person and is not in plain view or discernable by ordinary observation.
If any part of a concealed weapon is in plain view or discernable by another person by ordinary observation, the weapon is not considered concealed. This may be a violation of the law and is a violation of CWI policy. Campus security should be notified when a person has failed to conceal his/her weapon.
If the individual carrying a weapon on campus does not pose an immediate threat, please contact Campus Security.
If there is an immediate threat, call 9-1-1.
In March 2014, The State of Idaho passed SB 1254 into law. This law permits individuals who are qualified retired law enforcement officers under Idaho Statute 18-3302H, or who hold an “enhanced” concealed carry license under Idaho Statute 18-3302K, to legally carry concealed weapons on campus.
If someone suspects a violation of the weapons on campus policy, that individual should alert Campus Security who will contact local law enforcement. In an emergency, you should always call 9-1-1.
According to Idaho State law, anyone who has complied with the requirements of State Law 18-3302K and has been issued an enhanced license is authorized to carry concealed weapons "on his person." The weapon cannot be in plain view or discernable by ordinary observation.