CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Channel 9 learned new security rules at Bank of America Stadium have police officers putting down their guns.
Some officers told Eyewitness News the new effort to increase safety at Panthers games could do the exact opposite.
On Sunday, Panthers fans will pack into Bank of America Stadium for the first home game of the season, and Eyewitness News learned off-duty officers watching the action in the stands now have to leave their guns at home.
Some police said the new rule won't make fans safer.
They claim if the worst-case scenario of an active shooter ever happened, they wouldn't be able to help.
Some fans like Marcus Alford agreed.
"They are trained to respond. They're still officers even though they're off duty," Alford said. "So, I'd rather see them there with than without guns."
Charlotte Mecklenburg police told Eyewitness News the no-weapon rule is part of new NFL recommendations including the ban on bags, and off-duty officers carrying guns are more of a risk.
"I think it's a good idea that they don't carry weapons," said Panthers fan Gail Crump.
Other fans said while they feel safe inside the stadium, this new Panthers policy has them on the fence.
"I think the more security the better but, at the same time, I do believe that alcohol and firearms do not mix. I'm not sure what I think about it," Bryan Edwards said.
Channel 9 reached out to other area NFL teams.
The Tennessee Titans said their policy hasn't changed. The organization never allowed off-duty officers to carry guns.
The team implemented a new bag police for this season that limits the size and type of bags that can be taken into the stadium.
A clutch purse a little bigger than a half sheet of notebook paper and transparent plastic or vinyl bags no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches are permitted.
Read more on the bag police here.
For more Bank of America policies click here.
WSOC
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