Weapons on Campus

The following provisions pertain to the possession of a weapon on educational property, specifically, any and all property owned, leased, or contracted by Johnston Community College (JCC). These provisions also apply to any curricular or extracurricular activity sponsored by JCC:

  • It shall be a Class I felony for any person knowingly to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any gun, rifle, pistol, or other firearm of any kind;

  • It shall be a Class G felony for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any dynamite cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine, or powerful explosive as defined in G.S. 14-284.1;

  • It shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any BB gun, stun gun, air rifle, air pistol, bowie knife, dirk, dagger, slingshot, leaded cane, switchblade knife, blackjack, metallic knuckles, razors and razor blades (except solely for personal shaving), firework, or any sharp-pointed or edged instrument except instructional supplies, unaltered nail files and clips and tools used solely for preparation of food, instruction, and maintenance. 

NOTE: Possession of a weapon does not necessarily mean that you physically have the item or device on your person. It can also mean that you have constructive possession—where the weapon is in an area that is exclusively under your control, even if not on your person. For example, if the weapon is in your vehicle, bookbag, or any personal belonging, even if you are not present, this can count as constructive possession. 

Concealed Handgun Permits

The provisions of this section shall not apply to a person who has a concealed handgun permit that is valid under Article 54B of Chapter 14 of the North Carolina General Statutes, or who is exempt from obtaining a permit pursuant to that Article, if the person has

  • a handgun
  • in a closed compartment or container
  • within the person's locked vehicle or
  • in a locked container securely affixed to the person's vehicle and
  • only unlocks the vehicle to enter or exit the vehicle while the firearm remains in the closed compartment at all times and
  • immediately locks the vehicle following the entrance or exit,
  • as provided in NCGS 14-269.2(k).

Any such vehicle, when locked, must be parked in accordance with applicable college policies and parking procedures.

A person is authorized to remove said handgun from his or her vehicle only in response to a threatening situation in which deadly force is justified pursuant to G.S. 14-51.3.

Exceptions

This section shall not apply to any of the following:

  • A weapon used solely for educational or college-sanctioned ceremonial purposes or used in a college-approved program conducted under the supervision of an adult whose supervision has been approved by the College authority.

    NOTE: All approval requests must be submitted in writing, including a very detailed explanation, to JCC’s Campus Police and Security. Requests, AND confirmation that the request has been received, must be completed no later than two (2) weeks before the date requested.

  • Firefighters, emergency service personnel, North Carolina Forest Service personnel, and detention officers employed by and authorized by the sheriff to carry firearms, when acting in the discharge of their official duties.

    NOTE: If out of uniform, officers must display their agency badge either on the belt near the weapon or from a necklace worn around the neck.

  • Weapons used for hunting purposes on the Howell Woods Nature Center property in Johnston County owned by JCC when used with the written permission of JCC.

  • A person registered under Chapter 74C of the General Statutes as an armed armored car service guard or an armed courier service guard when acting in the discharge of the guard's duties and with the permission of the College.

Enforcement

JCC reserves the right to maintain a safe and orderly educational environment for students, employees and the public.

When in judgment of JCC officials, the conduct of a student, employee, or visitor substantially disrupts or threatens to disrupt the college community, appropriate disciplinary action and/or prosecution shall be taken to restore and protect the sanctity of the community.

Any violation of this policy will be referred for criminal prosecution and for appropriate college disciplinary action applicable to faculty, staff, or students, up to and including expulsion and/or termination. Violators may also be criminally trespassed, indefinitely, from all JCC property.