Weapons Policy

Bowdoin College regulates the possession and use of weapons on campus and prohibits the possession of weapons in campus buildings and/or anywhere on College property.

This policy applies to any device which can expel a projectile and/or other dangerous weapons including knives,* guns, explosives, bows and/or arrows, swords, tasers, or other items, which, in their intended use, are capable of inflicting serious injury. This policy also applies to any item, including those described above, that is brandished as a weapon. This policy does not prohibit the use of personal safety devices, such as mace, pepper spray or self-defense alarms, when carried or used in good faith for purposes of self-defense.

Possession or use of a weapon, or brandishing an object as a weapon may result in disciplinary action from the College and/or prosecution under the appropriate state or federal laws.

No person shall be permitted to carry firearms or other weapons, concealed or not concealed, with or without a concealed weapon permit, while on properties owned or controlled by the College.

Search and Seizure

The Executive Director of Safety and Security or designee may search College property, including vehicles parked on College property, and/or seize any weapon discovered on campus property that they deem to present a danger to the campus community.

Storage

In limited circumstances, prior to arrival to campus, students may request special permission to store a weapon needed for off-campus activities, or specialized training activities, with the Office of Safety and Security. Examples include, but are not limited to, hunting guns, biathlon rifles, weapons for EMS or other specialized training.

To request permission to store a weapon please contact the Executive Director of Safety and Security at (207) 725-3458.

The Executive Director of Safety and Security has sole discretion to deny storage and/possession of any weapon on campus property which they deem to present a danger to the campus community.

The Office of Safety and Security reserves the right to refuse any weapon to an individual if, at the time of pick up, the individual is believed to be under the influence of any drug or intoxicating substance, or if an officer believes the individual's judgment is impaired to the extent that the person may pose a threat to himself/herself or others. The Office of Safety and Security is not responsible for items damaged or lost.

*Prohibited knives include, but are not limited to, any knife with a blade length of more than four inches, any knife with a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife, or any knife having a blade that opens or falls or is ejected into position by the force of gravity, or by an outward, downward or centrifugal thrust or movement.