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Firearms and Weapons Concealed-Open Carry 1-8-16 CITY OF SCHERTZ EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK 2.5 Firearms and Weapons – Concealed and Open Carry Effective Date: 01/01/2016 Revision Date: 01/08/2016 PREPARED BY: Human Resources REVIEWED BY: Michael Hansen, Chief of Police APPROVED BY: John Kessel, City Manager REPLACES VERSION: May 2008, Firearms and Weapons PURPOSE: This policy outlines restrictions on employees carrying weapons on City property and/or while performing City-related business. POLICY: The City of Schertz prohibits the possession of any weapon, including but not limited to handguns, by any employee in City buildings, and in any city owned/leased vehicle. Employees are prohibited from carrying a weapon while performing City-related business. Employees who are licensed to carry and lawfully possess a firearm and/or ammunition in accordance with Chapter 411 of the Texas Government Code, may leave such firearm/ammunition in his or her locked, privately owned vehicle in the parking lot the City provides for employees. It shall be stored out of sight. Additionally, if an employee chooses to store a firearm or ammunition that is legal to carry without a permit in his/her personal vehicle, it shall be stored out of sight and the vehicle must be locked. Weapons, according to the Texas Penal Code Sec. 46.01, are considered clubs, explosive weapons, firearms, firearm silencers, handguns, illegal knives, knives, knuckles, machine guns, short barrel firearms, switch blade knives, armor piercing ammunition, hoax bombs, chemical dispensing devices, zip guns and tire deflation devices Employees may carry a pocket knife or folding belt knife in their pocket or on their belt that is not deemed as a weapon and has a blade less than 3.5 inches long. Employees may carry a small chemical dispenser (mace) sold commercially for personal protection as long as it not openly displayed. EXCEPTIONS A peace officer who is required to carry a gun/ammunition in the scope of employment is exempt from this policy. Judges appointed to the Schertz Municipal Court and employed or contracted City attorneys who are licensed to carry a handgun under Chapter 411 of the Texas Government Code are permitted to carry firearms in the courtroom and other City facilities. VIOLATIONS Appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination, will be taken against an employee who violates this policy.