Date: Sat, 05 May 2001 09:05:50 -0700 From: r.destephens@WORLDNET.ATT.NET (Richard DeStephens) Subject: Re: Further re Tempe To: AZRKBA@asu.edu
"J.D. McKim" wrote:
> Perhaps the councilmember isn't aware of Tempe's written weapon checking
> policy? You might ask him to obtain a copy so he will be able to discuss
> it with you.
>
> If you want to read the relevant Arizona statutes, and I suggest you do if
> you haven't already, go to http://www.azleg.state.az.us/
Here is the written policy sent to me by Asst Chief Jay Spradling, Tempe PD.
WEAPONS PROCEDURES FOR CITY BUILDINGS
ARS 13-3102 prohibits firearms and/or deadly weapons in city buildings that are clearly posted with the following signage:
? Firearms or Deadly Weapons are Prohibited in City Buildings (ARS 13-3102). ? If You Have Any Questions Contact the Tempe Police Department at: 480-350-8311.
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES WILL BE UTILIZED IN THE EVENT A CITIZEN REQUESTS THAT THEIR FIRERM AND/OR DEADLY WEAPON BE SECURED WHILE VISITING A PROPERLY POSTED CITY BUILDING.
1. Citizens will be told that they can secure the weapon outside the building at a place of their choice (i.e., the trunk of a car) OR that the Police Department will arrange for the weapon to be temporarily stored for them.
2. When a citizen requests that a weapon be stored for them, the method and location of storage will be determined by staff at the specific city building.
3. The following procedures will be used forcity facilities that are staffed by city security personnel (police officer, CSO, Park Ranger). This includes, but is not limited to, the Main Police Station, the Police Substation, City Hall, and the Library Complex. In most cases, the Main Police Station should serve all downtown city facilities within walking distance:
? A field card or property tag will be completed to assist in the proper return of the weapon. The tag should include at a minimum the owner's name, address, and phone number, as well as a brief description of the weapon. ? The employee will take possession of the weapon in the safest and most comfortable manner possible. ? The owner will be told that if the weapon is not picked up prior to the PD lobby (or other city facility) closing, the weapon will be impounded for safekeeping and returned through the normal Property Facility release procedures. ? The tag and weapon will be stored together in a manner as to not confuse the owner information and weapon with any others weapons. ? The weapon will be secured in a predetermined location. ? Once the owner returns, identification may be requested to verify ownership.
? The owner should be given the property tag or field card with the weapon, unless we are asked to dispose of it. In either case, this information will not be turned in to Records.
4. The following procedures will be utilized when a city building is not staffed by security personnel and is not within walking distance of a city building that is:
? The citizen or city employee calling the Police Department to have a weapon secured will be reminded by Police Communications that the weapon can be secured outside of the building at a place of their choice, i.e., the trunk of a car. ? If an officer is still requested, Police Communications will make it clear to the responding officer the nature of the call. ? Officers will complete a field card or property tag to assist in the proper return of the weapon. The tag should include at a minimum the owner's name, address, and phone number, a well as a brief description of the weapon. ? The employee will take possession of the weapon in the safest and most comfortable manner possible. ? Officers will secure the weapon in their vehicle in the safest manner possible and with every effort to avoid damaging the weapon. ? The tag and weapon will be stored together in a manner as to not confuse the owner information and weapon with any other weapons. ? Officers will give the citizen their name, call sign, and if appropriate, the time that they secure. Officers will tell the citizen that when they are ready to retrieve their weapon to call the PD at 480-350-8311. ? Officers will let the citizen know that we cannot guarantee a prompt return, due to the possibility of being unavailable on another call. ? Officers should ask the citizen approximately how long they will need the weapon secured. This information should be given to Police Communications for consideration with future calls for service. ? Officers will let the citizen know that if they are tied up on a call and unable to return, or if the citizen does not re-contact the Police Department prior to the end of the officer's shift, the weapon will be impounded for safekeeping. It will then be released through normal Property Facility release procedures. ? To avoid impounding, officers may consider passing the weapon on to another officer working a later shift, if appropriate. ? When returning a weapon, officers will identify the owner to verify ownership, if necessary. ? The owner should be given he property tag or field card with the weapon, unless we are asked to dispose of it. In either case, this information will not be turned in to Records.
5. Under these circumstances employees will make every effort to avoid impounding a citizen's weapon, because once the weapon is impounded it is subject to the Property Facility's normal release procedures, which include the weapon being held for 72 hours and no ammunition being returned per TCC 26-53.1 (8).