Random thoughts on workplace carry policies and civil liability. Fears of “liability” are usually invoked in defense of gun-free zones, but do these policies really protect the business from liability?
SCENARIO ONE:
Your workplace allows people with permits to carry. A disturbed individual enters the workplace and kills several employees and visitors.
What is your liability?
SCENARIO TWO:
You have an employee who is law abiding with a clean criminal record. Maybe they have a police and military background, maybe they don’t.
They have a permit to carry and disclose this to you. Consistent with policy, they are told they cannot carry at work, and may be disciplined or fired if they do. They comply with this policy.
A disturbed individual enters the workplace and kills several employees and visitors.
What is your liability?
SCENARIO THREE:
You have an employee who is law abiding, clean criminal record. Maybe they have a police and military background, maybe they don’t. This person has a permit to carry.
Previously your workplace had either no policy on carrying, or a policy which allowed employees to carry at work.
However, there have been recent changes at the company and now carrying at work is prohibited. Employees are informed of the change and that they can be disciplined or fired for carrying at work. Your employee complies with the policy and stops carrying at work.
A disturbed individual enters the workplace and kills several employees and visitors.
What is your liability?
SCENARIO FOUR:
You have an employee who is law abiding, clean criminal record. Maybe they have a police and military background. This person has a permit to carry.
They have a permit to carry and disclose this to you. Policy allows them to carry at work and you inform them of this.
A disturbed individual enters the workplace attempts to committ several murders. Your employee draws their gun and stops the attack, saving the lives of several employees and visitors.
What is your liability?
