Here is the email I sent to corporate Security
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Hi,
I just finished watching the Hostile Intruder In the Workplace video. I think the video is a great reminder to people that even though the odds of something like this happening are very remote there is always a possibility that it could happen.
I talked to our local HR department here in MN a month or so ago when I saw new “Bans Guns on these Premises” signs go up. I questioned the value of such a sign and what we were to do if something like this happened since we have no on site security staff, we just have key card entry doors. We had a nice discussion but it really didn’t go beyond that.
After seeing the video and realizing that (Company Name) understands this could happen and has sadly become far more common recently I thought I would contact you with some questions/concerns.
What is value/reasoning behind the “bans guns on these premises” signs?
If a person is deranged enough to go through with something like this, the signs are not going to stop them at the door. I would think if anything, it provides them an additional feeling of confidence/security thinking they are going to be the only armed person on the premises until the police arrive.
Has there ever been any discussion around allowing trained, certified employees to carry a concealed weapon at work in states that allow it?
Obviously if a situation like shown in the videos ever arises getting out of the building is absolutely your best option but the last scenario of confronting the assailant leaves an unarmed/unprepared employee at a tremendous disadvantage.
Here is something that happened to me recently. I have never felt that I needed a concealed weapon since my quiet, home to work family life style doesn’t put me in questionable situations and in my 20+ years of being an adult I never once wished I was armed so I could protect myself. However, just a month ago after playing hockey with a group of friends we were standing around in the parking lot and someone tried to steal my truck which was parked 15 feet from where we were standing. It was a very scary situation realizing this man was brazen enough to crawl in to the driver’s seat of my truck while we were basically right there. As it turned out he was unable to get my truck started but even with all of us yelling at him to get out and leave he persisted until the police arrived, which thankfully was very quickly. Had he been armed that situation could have been drastically different, thankfully he wasn’t but we didn’t know that until the police had him in custody.
If the policy were to change I would think signs at the door saying “(Company Name) welcomes legal conceal carry permit holders” would be a very effective method of preventing an attack like those shown in the video. If a potential assailant thought they could be confronted by multiple armed employees protecting themselves and each other it might be just enough to just prevent the attack altogether.
Once again, thank you for releasing the video, no matter how unlikely it is to happen it is good to remind people it is possible so they can have an idea of what to do in a situation like that.
I look forward to hearing from you regarding the questions above.
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Here is the response I received:
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Thank you for reaching out to us and providing us with your comments and feedback. I apologize for the delayed response. “Company Name” has reviewed the various case laws around the country in regards to carrying concealed weapons and has taken the stance that we will not allow associates, non-associates, vendors or visitors to carry a weapon onto the premises. The posting of the signs at your facility, as well as the other facilities in the enterprise, are required by law so that everyone knows that concealed weapons are not permitted.
There are a number of reasons for this stance on banning weapons in the workplace, but as it relates to the Hostile Intruder video, I think an important part to keep in mind is the portion of the video from the police officers and experts where they indicate that upon their arrival, they do not know who is there with the intent to do harm. It is for this reason that they ask you not to approach the officers, to show your hands with fingers spread apart, and a number of other steps to instill a sense of security to the officer(s) that you are not a threat to them or others in the building. If we were to allow associates or others to possess a weapon inside the building, the law enforcement response to our situation would be very different and could very likely cause unintentional harm or injury to others who may be there for the right reasons.
Corporate Security does not believe that we currently have any situation wherein trained, armed staff is required for the safety of our associates. We continue to monitor events taking place around the country and if at anytime we believe this risk is heightened, we would take immediate action to have the proper resources in place. Likewise if you believe there is an immediate or likely threat, please do not hesitate to let us know so that we can evaluate the circumstances and take the appropriate measures.
Thank you again for your response.
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It is about what I expected to hear back from them. I do feel the piece they are missing though is that IF this does happen we have no way to protect ourselves until the police arive. Once the police arive any conceal carry person is going to holster/lay down their weapon to ensure they pose no visible threat to law enforcement.
The issue is the time period from the first shot being fired until the police arive and secured the building.
I knew it wouldn’t go anywhere but it was worth asking.
