Security guards can carry guns in California, provided they have the appropriate training and licenses and follow firearms laws. Employers must also follow relevant regulations. Use this article as your guide if you’re thinking of hiring armed security guards for your business.
Requirements for Armed Security Guards in California
To become an armed security guard in California, individuals must go through mandatory training and acquire specific licenses and permits.
1. Licensing and Permit Requirements
The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) regulates and provides licenses for private security services, among other industries. Armed security guards must complete the BSIS assessment and demonstrate that they are capable of good judgment, restraint and self-control when handling firearms during security guard duties. This assessment should be completed before applying for an Initial Firearms Permit.
The assessment, called the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF), is a personality test used by various protective services, such as firefighters, police officers and security guards. PSI Services LLC administers the assessment at 23 testing centers throughout California. Individuals who fail the assessment can retake the test after 180 days.
Only after passing the assessment can individuals apply for the Firearms Permit. To apply, security guards must:
- Not be banned from possessing firearms.
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Be a citizen of the United States or have permanent legal immigration status.
- Be a registered security guard with the BSIS.
- Complete a criminal history background check through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI.
- Complete the required training courses and pass all required examinations.
The application process can take several weeks, and licenses can be revoked or suspended if security guards are convicted of a crime.
2. Mandatory Training Courses
Becoming an armed security guard in California requires training in addition to the 40 hours required to become an unarmed security guard. This additional training lasts 14 hours — eight hours in the classroom and six in an approved range.
Firearms permits expire after two years. Individuals cannot renew the permit after it expires. Instead, they’ll have to apply for a new permit. To avoid this, security guards can complete a renewal application 60 days before the permit’s expiration date.
3. Company Liability and Insurance Requirements
Any company that employs armed security guards should have the appropriate insurance to protect its business and personnel. These are examples of insurance coverage companies can get:
- General liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation insurance
- Assault and battery insurance
- Professional liability insurance
Obtaining insurance coverage is part of the licensing process and can help cover injuries, damages and medical expenses. Employers who fail to invest in insurance coverage may be charged with fraud.
When Should You Hire Armed Security Guards?
Armed security guards are typically best hired for high-risk environments. For instance, you may hire them for:
- Large public events: If you’re holding a concert or a sporting event, armed security guards can help monitor and ensure the area is safe for everyone. Generally, the larger the event, the more armed security guards you’ll need.
- Locations with valuable assets: Your business may involve high-value items like jewelry and art. If your building is susceptible to robberies, armed guards can provide additional security.
- Protecting high-profile clients: You may be working with politicians, celebrities or other persons who need protection against violence. Armed security guards can help ensure these people’s safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Consider the answers to the following questions to understand how armed security guards work and how they can be beneficial.
1. Can Security Guards Use Force in California?
Certain acts are illegal when handling firearms. Security guards cannot:
- Draw or exhibit loaded or unloaded firearms to threaten another person.
- Discharge a firearm willfully and in a negligent manner that can result in the death or injury of another person.
- Discharge firearms in an inhabited building or vehicle.
- Discharge firearms willfully and maliciously from a motor vehicle.
Security guards may use lethal force for self-defense and the defense of other persons, provided there is an imminent threat of death, great bodily injury, or forcible and atrocious felony. This threat cannot be a speculative or future harm. The individual must truly believe that lethal force is necessary and apply no more force than what is reasonable to defend themselves or the other person. The right to self-defense ceases when the danger is no longer present.
Security guards can use a reasonable amount of force in California when it comes to self-defense and protecting other people. However, the danger must be imminent. Armed security guards must also be licensed and trained to properly discern the situation.
2. Who Cannot Possess a Firearm in California?
The DOJ can determine whether a person is eligible to possess firearms in California. However, some persons remain prohibited for set periods. Individuals cannot use or possess firearms if they have been:
- Convicted of a felony.
- Convicted at least twice for drawing or exhibiting loaded or unloaded firearms, except in self-defense.
- Convicted of a violent offense, such as murder, rape and arson.
- Convicted of inflicting corporal injury on a significant other.
- Considered dangerous by a court as a result of a mental disorder or mental illness.
- Pronounced as a mentally disordered sex offender.
Some violations warrant a 10-year prohibition, while others result in a five-year prohibition. Juvenile and miscellaneous prohibitions also apply to specific penal code sections. It is also against the law to purchase firearms and then provide or transfer them to persons prohibited from possessing firearms.
3. What Guns Can Security Guards Carry?
Security guards in California can carry exposed handguns, while other states may allow other firearms, like shotguns and rifles. Security guards can also carry a variety of calibers, as long as what they use is listed on their firearms permit.
The most common handguns used by armed security guards house 9 mm or .45 caliber rounds.
4. What Authority Do Security Guards Have in California?
Security guards can be armed in California to help manage and protect the safety of specific persons for their employer. They can prevent an incident or offense, and observe or report after one has occurred. They are bound by law regarding the use of force and can only protect themselves and the persons around them at a time of imminent danger. They can also perform a “citizen’s arrest” if they’ve witnessed a crime, then call the police afterwards.
Note that only law enforcement officers — not security guards — have the responsibility to protect all people. Security guards are hired to protect specific people.
The Guard Alliance Provides Reliable Armed Security Guard Services
If you ever need unarmed or armed security guards for your building, event or transport, you can count on The Guard Alliance for the most reliable services. As one of the nation’s leading security guard companies, you can count on our highly trained guards to protect your personnel and property. We also offer 24/7 and emergency coverage to help you when you need it. Request a quote today to get started!