Drugs & Firearms: Safety and Liability
Drugs & Firearms in Guestrooms
This training covers what to do if you discover suspected drugs, drug paraphernalia, needles, or firearms in a guestroom. The goal is simple:
Protect staff. Protect guests. Reduce liability.
This training applies to:
Housekeeping
Maintenance / Engineering
Front Desk / Guest Services
Managers / Supervisors
Security (if applicable)
Core Rule (Applies to Everything in This Training)
Do not touch.
Even if it looks harmless. Even if you “know what it is.” Even if you think you’re helping.
When staff handle drugs or firearms, the hotel’s liability increases immediately. Your local law enforcement are trained and equipped to handle these situations.
Part 1: Suspected Drugs or Drug Paraphernalia
Examples (Not Limited To)
Powder, pills, residue, unknown liquids
Bags, rolled paper, pipes
Needles, syringes, sharps containers
Burn marks, spoons, tourniquets, foil, etc.
Why “Do Not Touch” Matters
Some substances can be absorbed through skin or inhaled from residue. Needles create a biohazard risk. A puncture injury can expose staff to serious, lifelong health issues.
If you suspect drugs or paraphernalia:
Stop immediately
Pause cleaning/repairs. Do not continue “working around it.”
Do not touch or move anything
Do not pick it up, bag it, flush it, wipe it, or “hide it.”
Exit the room and secure the area
Step out of the room.
If possible, keep the door closed.
Do not allow other staff to enter.
Notify a manager/supervisor immediately
Use your property’s escalation chain.
Document basic facts (don’t investigate)Record:
Room number
What was seen (briefly)
Where it was observed (general area)
Date/time
Who discovered it
Follow management/ownership policy
Before sharing any information about a prior guest with law enforcement or making assumptions, staff must defer to property leadership. Items can be missed during turnover depending on where they were located.
Reminder: Staff should never accuse a guest. Staff should not discuss the situation with other guests.
Part 2: Firearms in Guestrooms
Important Context
In the United States, guests may legally travel with firearms (work travel, hunters, etc.). This is why your hotel needs to establish policies for how to handle stayover cleanings where a firearm is present. The hotel’s priority is safety and liability reduction, not personal judgment.
The Rule:
Do not touch the firearm - ever.
Even if it looks unloaded. Even if you’re experienced with firearms and were born in the Wild West. Even if you “just want to secure it.” Even if you're the manager or supervisor.
Accidents happen. Misfires happen. You do not know:
The condition of the weapon
Whether it is loaded
Whether it has a round chambered
Whether it’s malfunctioning
Whether there are other weapons present
Whether it was used in a crime or not
If a firearm is discovered:
Stop immediately
Do not touch or move it
Exit the room and secure the area
Notify a manager immediately
Management contacts local law enforcement (non-emergency)
Law enforcement can retrieve and hold the firearm.
If a guest requests the firearm back directly from staff:
No-go. Do not release it directly.
Staff cannot reliably verify identity and intent.
Staff taking possession increases liability.
The guest should be directed to work with law enforcement for pickup.
Stayover Rooms vs. Checkout Rooms (Policy Reminder)
Your property should have a clear written policy for both situations:
Stayover: refer to your property's policy.
Checkout: treat as found property, but still do not touch weapons or drugs
When in doubt: manager + law enforcement.
What Staff Should Say (Simple Script)
If asked what happened, keep it minimal and professional:
To a guest (if needed): “Management is handling a safety issue. Thank you for your patience.”
To anyone requesting details: “I’m not able to discuss it. Please speak with management.”
Training Checklist (Manager Use)
Managers should ensure staff know:
✅ Do not touch
✅ Exit and secure the area
✅ Notify management immediately
✅ Document basics, do not investigate
✅ Follow ownership/company policy before releasing any info
✅ Use law enforcement for retrieval/holding when appropriate
