Policy Statement
New Jersey Institute of Technology (“NJIT” or “University”) is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for its students, faculty, staff, guests, and visitors. In conformance with New Jersey law[1], this policy prohibits the possession of any firearm[2], specified weapons, any components that readily assemble into a firearm[3], and any imitation firearms [4] in or upon any part of the buildings or grounds of NJIT without the written authorization of the Governing Officer of the University.[5] This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, guests, visitors and contractors, irrespective of whether the possessor has a valid permit to carry the firearm, is a non-NJIT public safety off-duty law enforcement officer, or has a valid firearms purchaser identification card [6].
I. Definitions
“Governing Officer” for the purpose of this policy means NJIT’s Chief of Police or their designee.
“Possession” for this policy shall be as enumerated under N.J.S.A 2C:39-5e(1), N.J.S.A 2C:39-5e(2), and N.J.S.A 2C:39-5e(3). These statutes strictly prohibit the possession on or in any part of campus grounds or buildings, “irrespective of weather he possesses a valid permit to carry a firearm or valid firearms purchaser identification card.” (Possession shall include on your person or stored within property or means of conveyance that you reasonably have access to.)
II. Request Process
The prohibitions listed above apply unless the person formally applies for and receives written authorization from the Governing Officer. Persons who are legally permitted to carry firearms and have an exigent purpose must request such written authorization by submitting a formal request (“Request”) to the NJIT Police Department Chief of Police or their designee before transporting any firearm onto NJIT campus. The Request must be submitted, when practical, at least thirty (30) business days before the proposed commencement date. In most cases, only off-duty law enforcement or persons requiring the above-enumerated firearms for educational research may be granted such written authorization.
*All off-duty NJIT police officers may carry a qualified firearm off duty while on or in campus grounds or buildings. Any law enforcement officer attending training organized by the NJIT Department of Public Safety or on official police business may carry a firearm on or in campus grounds or buildings.
The procedure for submitting a Request must be done in person, and in accordance with the following protocols:
- At least thirty (30) business days before the proposed date of authorization, the requestor will report in person to NJIT Police Headquarters (154 Summit St. Newark, NJ 07103) anytime between 9 am-3 pm, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), and request to speak with a police supervisor. (It is suggested that an appointment to submit a Request be made in advance with the Chief of Police or their designee by calling 973-596-3120).
- The police supervisor will collect the following information (“Required Information”), at minimum, from the requestor:
- Name of the requestor;
- Permanent, verified address of the requestor;
- Copy of requestor’s Driver’s License or Government Issued Identification Card;
- Copy of requestor’s Firearms ID and Carry License;
- Purpose of the request;
- Timeframe/period for such proposed request;
- Description and the serial number of the firearm requested to be carried on campus;
- Copy of Police Identification Card (if applicable);
- Requestor’s most immediate contact phone number and email address; and
- Emergency contact of requestor to carry a firearm.
- The Request shall not be submitted and/or processed until all Required Information is provided by the requestor. Failure to provide all Required Information or any additional information requested by the Chief of Police (or their designee) may result in delayed review of the Request.
- Upon a requestor’s submission of all Required Information supporting the Request, the police supervisor will thereafter transmit the Request and Required Information to the Chief of Police and their designee.
- Within fifteen (15) business days after receipt of the Request and Required Information, the Chief of Police or their designee will review the Request and make their final determination unless additional time is needed to complete verification of Required Information. The final determination of the Request will be communicated by the Chief of Police or their designee to the requestor by way of email and certified mail.
- All Requests are to be made on a case-by-case basis and any written authorizations will not be automatically renewed or extended. Any written authorizations may be amended or rescinded by the Chief of Police at any time. All decisions of the Chief of Police are final.
- The Chief of Police or their designee shall provide the President of the University with a copy of the written authorization.
- At no point, before the determination is made and communicated to the requestor shall the requestor transport firearms to or from the NJIT campus.
- It shall be the responsibility of the party approved to carry a weapon to notify the NJIT Department of Public Safety of any status changes regarding your right to carry, own, or possess a firearm within the State of New Jersey.
- Any approved request to possess a firearm at NJIT must be renewed by the approved person every thirty (30) days.
III. Violator Disciplinary Recourse
Any person(s) who knowingly has in their possession any firearm in or upon any New Jersey Institute of Technology owned, leased, or otherwise affiliated buildings or grounds without the written authorization of the Chief of Police may be charged with crime of the third degree or higher and is subject to arrest, termination from employment, expulsion, and/or other disciplinary action from NJIT.
IV. EFFECTIVE DATE OF POLICY
This policy takes effect upon adoption, and supersedes and revokes any former policies governing the subject matter.
Adopted: October 14, 2022