Georgia Southern University has backtracked on its police chief's plan to prohibit from off-duty officers from being armed at football games.
A letter from the legislative counsel at Georgia's State Capitol in Atlanta, sent to State Representative Jan Tankersley, clarifies to the university that law enforcement officers -- on or off duty -- are exempt from carrying restrictions under Georgia Law, according to AllOnGeorgia.com.
The clarification comes after GSU Police Chief Laura McCullough sent an email to her officers earlier this month banning them from carrying firearms in the stadium on game day.
Read Officer.com Editor Frank Borelli's Commentary
"The Office of Legislative Council provided guidance on whether law enforcement officers are authorized to carry firearms at sporting events," Media Relations representative from Georgia Southern said in an email to the news outlet. "Attached is a memorandum stating that law enforcement officers are exempt from all carrying restrictions under Georgia Law and we abide by Georgia Law. We will comply with Georgia Law."
Here is the entirety of the email sent out to officers by McCullough on Sept. 3.
Colleagues,
This football season we will be restricting weapons carry by law enforcement officers in Paulson Stadium. Please share this information with those in your office to whom it applies.
No off duty officers, or officers in plain clothes, will be allowed to bring a weapon, open or concealed, into the stadium. Ony uniformed officers working the venue will be allowed to carry a weapon and they will be recognizable by special wristbands identifying them as Event Police.
Officers who are on duty and want to drop by the stadium for a short period may do so, but must identify themselves to an Event Police Officer at the gate before entry. We ask that any officer dropping by the stadium use only the gates where a uniformed officer is posted.
Law enforcement officers are allowed to have their weapons in their vehicles as long as they are secured and the officer has proper credential showing permission to carry a weapon.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter. We do hope to see you all at beautiful Paulson Stadium to help us cheer on the Eagles. Also, remember that this Saturday’s game is Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation with special ticket deals for members of Law Enforcement and their families.
Laura McCullough
Chief of Police
Georgia Southern University Public Safety
