Gun and Security?

[ProfessorFrink]

I don't know which forum to put this under either firearms or training, but i will probly get most responces here so here is my Q.

I was wondering, if you were a security gaurd, could you carrey a gun after you have been trained. Or can only Police/LEO's carrey visible guns?

Thats been bugging me for some time.

[Norm357]

I don't know which forum to put this under either firearms or training, but i will probly get most responces here so here is my Q.

I was wondering, if you were a security gaurd, could you carrey a gun after you have been trained. Or can only Police/LEO's carrey visible guns?

Thats been bugging me for some time.

Disclaimer: I can only speak for the state of Ga.


At one time I was head of security for Nalley Motor Compaines. I had at times up to 30 officers working for me. They were all armed. To be an armed security officer in Ga, you have to pass the Ga Board of Private Det. and security Agencies firearms test. Im sad to report that there is not much to it. I would get around this by hiring only state certified officers working for other companies and simply transfer their liscense over to our company.

[txinvestigator1]

Each State has different laws. in Texas, an armed Security Guard must pass a State and Federal Criminal background check, be at least 18 YOA, be mentally competent, not addicted to drugs or alcohol and pass a required training program.

[DSS1]

Each state sees security work with different eyes. For example; in DC if you’re an armed security guard you need a SPO license (Special Police Officer). You have authority to carry that firearm anywhere in DC while you’re on duty. You have to be trained a certain amount of hours and qualified with your weapon. Some federal agencies that have contracted guards get their officers deputized as marshals so they can be covered outside federal grounds. In Florida if you want to work as an armed security guard you need a “G” license which covers you statewide. Others who are able to get a "C" license (Private Investigator) in conjunction with a “G” can carry a concealed firearm if required in their duties.
Now remember that all of these apply while you’re on duty, even though some security companies will issued you a duty firearm just like cops do; you are not to holster that weapon while not on duty. Once you have finished or been relieved of your duties, that weapon should be stored away in a carrying case for transport.

[Joeyd6]

In NY ...no! The gun is actually owned by the company and must be signed in when you leave.

[Recondo]

I believe most states now have laws concerning or restricting "open" carry for those that are on the job at the time & under an official capacity while open carrying (IE; LEO / Security Guard, Bail Bond Enforcement,etc) I believe this also applies to even off duty Cops in most cases.
This is unless that person is at thier home or at thier own place of business (owner or employees with owner approval..such as gun shop employees) I have "heard" rumors of some states like Alaska, that have no open carry laws preventing such by anyone (maybe someone from that great state can weigh in if this is true or not)
Otherwise, your carry must be "concealed" at all times & even there.. unless you have a current state permit to do so or are a sworn LEO, it is unlawfull/illegal to carry concealed in most states as well

[txinvestigator1]

Actually in Texas the Security Guards handgun MUST be in plain view. It can only be worn, under the Security Laws, while on duty or traveling directly to or from work.

[Zantar]

Oregon requires a training course that includes weapon qualification. The security license only covers carry while working but I have a concealed handgun license so carrying to and from work is no problem. I have known a couple armed guards who carried concealed. There is no special license for carrying as a security guard concealed so you probably have to have a concealed handgun license in addition to your guard card in order to carry that way for work.

[txinvestigator1]

I guess I should mention that, in Texas, that while a guard is working any CHL he/she may hold does not apply. No Guard in Texas may carry a concealed firearm while on duty.

[Recondo]

TX,
yes I think your right in most all states, not just TX, ..you are either authorized legally to "open carry" on the job, or you are carrying "concealed" off the job (legally with a permit), but probably not both at the same time, my question here then is, what about concealed back-up guns for LEO's..this would encompass both open & concealed carry laws, are these not applicable to armed security guards or similar in your opinion?

[mcsap]

PA has a Lethal Weapons Card for on duty carrying of non PO's. If I wanted to get a part time job as a guard , I would have to get the same card but I can get a waiver since I am a cert PO.

[darrell]

Michigan,

Must be 18 or older with a clean criminal history, free of drug use and psych problems and must pass the Michigan Gun Course for Security Officers. Also A Security Officer must have a concealed weapons permit. Any legal gun owner can openly carry in Michigan but once you enter a building or enter your car then the gun is concealed and you can and will be arrested for CCW felony violation of up to 10 years. While on duty since you already have a CCW you can carry concealed.

[ngcsubutterbar]

Disclaimer: I can only speak for the state of Ga.


At one time I was head of security for Nalley Motor Compaines. I had at times up to 30 officers working for me. They were all armed. To be an armed security officer in Ga, you have to pass the Ga Board of Private Det. and security Agencies firearms test. Im sad to report that there is not much to it. I would get around this by hiring only state certified officers working for other companies and simply transfer their liscense over to our company.

or of course, if you're active duty military in our state, you could carry like a cop, wherever a cop carries, as long as you're in a uniform (not the IPFU's either hehe)

[mcsap]

And I suspect that you must be "on official business" as well.

[ngcsubutterbar]

not the way it's worded. You may get in trouble with the UCMJ or your commander, but not via GA laws.