Reducing the Potential for Violence 
in Teen Meeting Sites

November 30, 1998

Point Of Contact: 
Kenton Pattie 
KentonP1@aol.com

(703) 280-4622 (days) 
(703) 280-4622 (home)

8521 Frost Way
Annandale VA 22003

Fairfax County Council of PTAs Position: 
Virginia should prohibit anyone who enters a youth recreation, cultural, or sports center from carrying a firearm (law enforcement personnel excepted).

Background: 
State law establishes the right of certain citizens to carry concealed weapons. Under this law, a permit holder may carry a concealed weapon into a site filled with young people.

In youth meeting sites in Fairfax County, we have zero tolerance for weapons. Meeting site managers may authorize law enforcement officers to provide such security as needed. These managers seek the right to prohibit the carrying of arms by anyone else. Managers are deeply concerned that, because of current Virginia law, young-looking permit holders have entered recreation centers with their concealed weapons.

Discussion: 
The Fairfax Partnership for Youth and county recreation leaders have sought legislation to keep teen centers gun free

Permit holders argue that their carrying a weapon into a youth meeting site might help save a life or deter an altercation. Officials managing these sites warn that introducing a concealed weapon into a volatile situation, no matter what the motivation of the permit holder, escalates the nature and degree of any violence that might erupt. Knowing that someone else may be carrying a weapon is a reason why youth bring their own weapons -- to be in a position to fire first.

Virginia should allow each county and municipal government to establish its own rules on the carrying of concealed weapons into youth meeting sites. Fairfax County should be allowed to enforce its own rules to protect its children. Parents who permit their children to go to recreation centers should have the same "Gun Free" assurance they feel they have in public schools. Few parents know that Virginia allows concealed guns in recreation centers, but those who find out are repulsed at the concept and frustrated that the General Assembly has debated yet not resolved this issue. 

Recommendation: 
The General Assembly should:

1. Permit local jurisdictions to establish their own rules with respect to teen meeting sites, including the regulation of concealed weapons.

2. Prohibit concealed gun permit holders from carrying weapons into teen recreation centers which post prohibitions on all weapons.

Last Updated 01/27/2005 20:22:31