Carter explained that the recent student incidents involving pellet guns were not the first of their kind. "Over the past several years, numerous abandoned pellet and "BB" guns have been turned over to Campus Police by residential staff or Physical Plant employees," said Carter. "On rarer occasions, the possession has been linked to disturbances or vandalism," he explained.
Massachusetts General Law forbids the use of firearms on College campuses. Chief Carter referenced a section of the Massachusetts General Law, explaining the prohibitions. "Massachusetts General Law Chapter 269 Section 10 J prohibits firearms, inclusive of pellet guns, on a college campus, except by police officers," said Carter.
The general law forbidding the use of pellet guns states, "Whoever, not being a law enforcement officer, and notwithstanding any license obtained by him under the provisions … carries on his person a firearm as hereinafter defined, loaded or unloaded or other dangerous weapon in any building or on the grounds of any college or university without the written authorization of the board or officer in charge of such college shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both."
Campus Police explained that the law has been interpreted to include pellet guns, "BB" guns, paintball guns and other firearms from which a projectile can be shot. College policy, published in the Student Handbook, also prohibits "possession or distribution of firearms, ammunitions or explosives, or of other harmful weapons."
However, Carter explained that enforcement is not the real concern at hand. "Enforcement is not the issue here as much as awareness is. The memorandum for us was intended to heighten awareness and educate students of the regulations. It is our hope that fewer pellet guns will be brought to campus," said Carter.
The section of the Massachusetts General Law also explains that an officer in charge of a college or university or any faculty member or administrative officer of a college or university failing to report violations will be found guilty of a misdemeanor and punished with a maximum fine of $500.
Carter discussed consequences that will result from future violations. "The College will take disciplinary action against a student who brings a firearm or pellet gun onto campus," said Carter. "The Campus Police will seek criminal charges against a student found in possession of a firearm or pellet gun."
Carter and Campus Police also explained that the presence of pellet guns not only create risks to student safety, but also promote an atmosphere in which students will remain unsafe.