Citation(s) from the GunPolicy.org literature library
Belarus. 2005 ‘Stockpile Management and Storage Safety.’ National Report of Belarus on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA), pp. 9-10. New York, NY: Permanent Mission of Belarus to the United Nations. 1 January
Relevant contents
Stockpile Management and Storage Safety
Lock-and-Key and Other Physical Security Measures
In sub-units, small arms are kept in the weapons storage room. This room is equipped with an alarm system and is constantly guarded by the 24-hour security detail. The room is fully lit from dusk to dawn. Emergency lighting is available in case the central electricity supply is disconnected.
The personal weapons of officers and warrant officers of the military unit are kept at unit headquarters in a specially equipped location in a locked iron cabinet (safe) with an alarm system feeding data to the captain of the guard.
The keys to the weapons safe (cabinet) are kept by the duty officer of the military unit. A second set of keys, in a box sealed by the chief of staff of the military unit, is kept in a special location and given out only when authorized by the commander of the military unit.
In depots, small arms are kept in reinforced concrete (brick) storerooms with solid floors and ceilings and wooden gates (doors) reinforced with metal.
In order to ensure the complete safety of SALW in storerooms, there is also a second set of barred doors fitted with locks, and the windows and ventilation outlets have metal bars and grids.
The enclosure around the depot is at least two metres high and the storerooms are protected by a double barrier.
In order to ensure the safety of SALW, there is a system of control by officials at various levels. This includes:
- Checking that keys to depot doors are present and secure;
- Ensuring that alarm devices blocking doors, gates and ventilation outlets are in place and are in good working order;
- Ensuring that communication devices are present and functioning;
- Verifying the reliability of the metal bars protecting window openings and
ventilation outlets;
- Ensuring that there is a system for lighting the perimeter around SALW storage facilities and inside the buildings;
- Using guard dogs to protect SALW facilities;
- Ensuring that there is a barrier around the buildings;
- Fitting strong locks on doors.
SALW are stored separately from ammunition.
Depot premises for SALW storage are equipped with alarm systems, which are tested regularly.
In every case of theft or loss of SALW, the commander (chief) must inform the chain of command and must also notify the monitoring bodies and take measures to locate the lost or stolen SALW. In all instances of theft or loss of SALW, the commander of the military unit institutes criminal proceedings and undertakes an inquiry.
[SALW = Small arms and light weapons]