Public security

State bans weapons in the workplace

The state has adopted a new policy prohibiting state employees from having weapons in their workplace as a condition of employment, narrowing a preexisting policy banning weapons in most state agency buildings.

The new policy, which took effect Jan. 6, prohibits weapons in the workplace unless having a weapon is part of the employee’s assigned duties.

The policy applies to all employees, board and commission members, volunteers and others working in an agency.

“It is a new HR policy, but it’s not a new requirement,” said Matt Shelby, a spokesman for the Department of Administrative Services. “Since 1998, we’ve had a facilities policy of no firearms or weapons in our buildings unless you are essentially a police officer. That covers everybody, not just employees.”