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Guest post by: Jessica Ollenburg Become an Author

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Legal counsel and insurance underwriters are largely recommending employer silence on this issue. Silence allows lawful carry without interference. The US Library of Congress reports crime reduction in every state enacting Concealed Carry. Violent crimes are reduced 5-22%. The most popularly referenced FBI report utilizes a 7% reduction statistic. As a global firm, we have had the opportunity to work with many states across the nation prior to Wisconsin's recent Concealed Carry enactment. With a second hub in AZ and service to the Scottsdale Chamber's Public Policy Advisory Council, we are no strangers to public weapons carry and private business rights to "Opt Out."

Wisconsin employers are inundating us with questions, and we are pleased to provide an extraordinary knowledge base here. At the time of this report, the state of Wisconsin is not protecting employers from liability if choosing "weapon free zones." Specifically, if an individual is harmed because he or she was not allowed to carry weapon per lawful right, the company can be held liable. Additionally, it is argued that the posting of "no weapons" signs specifically attracts crime similar to a resident posting a sign "not monitored by security system."

The argument for banning weapons lies largely in the perception of safety and records of specific incidents. While statistically it is argued that crime is reduced by arming law abiding citizens, the fact remains that with concealed carry acts, individuals who shouldn't be licensed still manage to get licensed. It is also evident that individuals use poor judgment in what constitutes "self defense," improperly trained individuals gain access to weapons and accidents happen. What stings in minds are images of Columbine, Virginia Tech, "going postal" and a wealth of related tragedies. For many these images outweigh statistical probabilities and facts. Most are not aware of this report... among 25,000 2009 murders, less than 1% were committed by concealed carry permit holders.

Businesses which allow concealed carry on their property are immune from liability arising from that decision. Employers who choose to allow concealed carry without interference will adapt by removing policies and handbook language which prohibit the carry of weapons on premises. However, we recommend substituting this language with the requirement that weapons must be lawful and licensed.

Employers who choose to "opt out" will create a "weapon free zone." Employers may choose to prohibit concealed carry duringwork activities, and if they do so, then language must be modified and signs must be posted.The sign must:

• Be at least 5 inches by 7 inches.
• State that concealed or open firearms are prohibited in the building or on the premises.
• Specify the area to which the prohibition applies.
• Be placed in a prominent place near all of the entrances to the part of the building to which the restriction applies or near all probable access points to the grounds or land to which the restriction applies, as applicable, where any individual entering the building, grounds, or land can be reasonably expected to see the sign.
• Businesses should consider the universal "no" symbol of a circle around a picture of a firearm with a slash across the middle of the circle, indicating that firearms are prohibited.

An employer may not prohibit an employee, as a condition of employment, from carrying a concealed weapon in the employee's own motor vehicle, even if the employee uses his or her vehicle in the course of employment or if the motor vehicle is on company grounds. Some employers are creating a policy that vehicles containing weapons on company premises must remain locked at all times.

HRS is active in helping craft and/or review employee handbook policies on this matter. For those who wish to "opt out," the sample "Weapons Ban" policy to follow is one of the alternatives available. Customization may be expected.

Weapons Ban Policy Sample

The company complies fully with all applicable federal, state and local laws to include the Concealed Carry Act. Weapons and firearms of any type are strictly prohibited within company premises at all times. Company premise includes property owned, leased or controlled by the company. Company premises also include anywhere that company business is conducted, such as customer locations, vendor/associate locations, trade shows, restaurants or any venue visited for the purpose of business. Weapons include, but are not limited to, guns, knives or swords with blades over four inches in length, explosives, and any chemical whose purpose is to cause harm to another person.

Regardless of whether an employee possesses a concealed weapons permit or is allowed by law to possess a weapon, weapons are prohibited on any company property or in any location in which the employee represents the company for business purposes, including those listed above.

Possession of a weapon can only be specifically authorized by a company officer to allow security personnel or a trained employee to have a weapon on company property when this possession is determined necessary to secure the safety and security of company employees. Only a company officer may authorize the carrying of or use of a weapon within company premises. Any violation of this policy or federal, state or local laws which relate to weapons shall also result in immediate discipline up to and including termination.

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