MINNEAPOLIS — An association representing Minnesota police officers is suing the National Football League over a policy banning handguns in stadiums unless the gun holder is providing security.

The Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association says this means off-duty officers can’t keep their weaponsin stadiums. Police say it violates state law, and could put the public and officers in danger.

Many officers keep their weapons at all times so they can respond if something happens when they’re off-duty.

The NFL had no comment Tuesday.

But in an October letter to association Executive Director Dennis Flaherty, the NFL’s chief security officer wrote the league believes limiting weapons inside stadiums creates the safest environment for fans. Jeffrey Miller also wrote that the NFL policy doesn’t violate state law.