Firearm and Weapon-Free Premises Policy

 

Effective Date: April 2020

Ekklesia Global Worship Assembly

1844 East Main St Waterbury, CT

 

Purpose

 

To ensure the safety and well-being of all staff, members, visitors, and guests, Ekklesia Global Worship Assembly enacts the following policy restricting the possession of firearms and other weapons on its premises, in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 29-28(e) and related public safety laws.

 

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Policy Statement

 

No person shall carry, possess, or bring a firearm, weapon, or dangerous instrument into any part of this facility—including buildings, offices, grounds, or vehicles—regardless of whether the person holds a valid state-issued pistol or firearm permit, unless specifically authorized under this policy.

 

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Authorized Exceptions

 

Only the following individuals are authorized to carry firearms on the premises:

    •    On-duty law enforcement officers (local, state, or federal)

    •    Active-duty armed security personnel hired or contracted by the organization

    •    Individuals who have received written authorization from the facility’s leadership for specific duties (e.g., armed security volunteers, subject to documentation and approval)

 

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Notification of Prohibition

 

In accordance with state law, visible signage will be posted at all facility entrances clearly stating:

 

“NO FIREARMS OR WEAPONS ALLOWED ON THESE PREMISES. Unauthorized possession is prohibited by facility policy. Violators will be reported.”

 

This written and posted notice serves as legal notification under Connecticut law that firearms are not permitted.

 

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Enforcement

    •    Any individual found in violation of this policy will be asked to safely leave the premises immediately.

    •    If the person refuses or is deemed a threat, law enforcement will be notified.

    •    Unauthorized individuals carrying firearms on the premises in violation of a posted policy may be subject to criminal penalties under C.G.S. § 53a-217b and § 29-28(e) (Class E felony for knowingly carrying in a prohibited location).

 

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Acknowledgment and Compliance

 

All staff, volunteers, and authorized personnel must acknowledge and adhere to this policy. Violations by staff or authorized individuals may result in disciplinary action, including termination of duties.

 

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Policy Review

 

This policy will be reviewed annually or as laws and circumstances require. Updates must be approved by the facility’s leadership team or board of directors.

 

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Approved By:

Elder Katanga Sanford,

Chief of Protocol

Ekklesia Global Worship Assembly

April 2020