What does unrestricted access to a weapon mean?

Unrestricted access to a weapon indicates that there are no obstacles or barriers preventing an individual from reaching or using that weapon. This means the subject can easily obtain the weapon without any restrictions, which raises significant safety and security concerns. When assessing a situation, understanding the context of unrestricted access is critical, especially for safety protocols during boarding operations. If a weapon is within an individual's reach and they have the opportunity to use it, that poses an immediate risk. This definition aligns with what is necessary for boarding team members to evaluate potential threats during their operations.

In contrast, when a weapon is on a person's person, hidden from view, or stored in a secure location, it does not imply unrestricted access because there are factors restricting the subject's ability to obtain or use the weapon freely.