- Understanding Firearm Regulations
- Requirements for Armed Security Guards
- Training and Certification
- Types of Firearms Security Guards Can Carry
- Best Practices for Carrying Firearms
- Legal Considerations and the Use of Deadly Force
Whether you’re interested in hiring a security team, or plan to become a guard yourself, the distinction between armed and unarmed guards is a natural starting point. As you can imagine, becoming certified in the use of firearms requires security guards to undergo additional training that their unarmed counterparts often skip. Armed guards are usually the first line of defense in spaces that face deadly threats, so it is only natural that their training be more extensive.
State laws govern guard training and, ultimately, the types of firearms guards can use in their duties. This means no blanket laws at the federal level provide easy answers to questions about the scope of armed security guards’ duties. We’ve put together this short read to help folks in our network understand the job of an armed security guard, the firearms they are permitted to use in their duties, and the regulations for their training and deployment across the USA.
Understanding Firearm Regulations
Firearm regulations for security guards and the general public are determined almost entirely at the state level and vary nationwide. Rather than provide an exhaustive state-by-state list in this article, we’d like to point out a few key distinctions that appear in every state’s literature concerning firearm regulations.
Concealed Carry & Open Carry
A firearm is considered “concealed” if it is out of public view. Many holsters allow easy access to weapons while meeting concealed carry requirements. Thirty-three states have regulations that allow members of the public to carry concealed firearms if they’ve obtained the proper permit. Seventeen states have no restrictions in place on concealed firearms.
“Open carry” refers to firearms that are visible to the public. Forty-two states allow open carry, with conditions and limitations that vary. State regulations often require additional permits for members of the public who wish to open carry. Be sure to check your state’s government website for the specific rules and regulations.
Handguns & Long Guns
The key distinctions between handguns and long guns concern the grip and stock. By most legal definitions, a weapon designed to be gripped and fired with one hand is considered a handgun. This distinction is irrespective of caliber, so a high-powered pistol is still considered a handgun, even if some individuals need to grip it with two hands.
A long gun, by contrast, is designed to be fired from the shoulder. Shotguns and rifles are the most common varieties of long guns sold in the USA. State and federal regulations may subdivide these weapons based on capacity and fire rate. Still, for this article, we can consider all shotguns and rifles to be long guns.
Regulations for Armed Security Guards
Firearm regulations for armed security guards vary not only by state but also by the type of deployment. For example, a warehouse security guard in Georgia may be able to use an open-carry handgun without extensive training. Conversely, armored transport guards in California may be required to carry rifles as part of their duties and must undergo extensive training.
Powerful weapons and complex deployments require more training on the part of guards, and hourly rates scale as a result. Familiarize yourself with your state’s firearms and armed security regulations before beginning training or hiring a guard to protect your property.
Requirements for Armed Security Guards
A key takeaway from this article is that firearm laws and regulations are set at the state level. This means that the requirements for armed security guards, the related licensing processes, and the scope of work in the field vary from state to state. By extension, hourly rates for armed guards are quite different from one state to the next. Armed guards in states with stringent training and licensing requirements can expect to be paid more.
Despite the differences in licensing regulations across the country, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics does provide a general outline. According to the BLS, any prospective armed security guard will always need to meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Pass a background check
- Complete training
It’s interesting to note that a high school diploma is not required in every state. Before applying for opportunities, be sure to check your state’s specific armed security guard licensing requirements. Folks looking to hire armed security would also be well-served by familiarizing themselves with state regulations.
Training and Certification
Firearms training for security guards can include basic certifications that allow the use of handguns while on the job. In some states, individuals who already possess their carry permits can take a basic security guard training course and deploy immediately as an armed guard. In other regions, more advanced tactical training is needed for guards to be certified in the use of firearms.
Once again, the training required to become an armed security guard is determined at the state level. We know this can be difficult to navigate—especially for folks new to the security world. We encourage you to check out our previous articles on this topic, where we’ve broken down security guard training requirements for some high-traffic states.
How to Become a Security Guard In:
Your state most likely has policies similar to one of the states linked above. In all cases, prospective armed security guards must pass written and practical firearm proficiency tests before working in the field.
Types of Firearms Security Guards Can Carry
Armed guards are becoming a more common sight across the United States. Most people now regularly encounter security personnel with holsters on their hips. It seems obvious, then, that pistols are the most common firearm type utilized by private security due to their ease of use and relative discretion. Some states allow private security guards to use long guns as part of their duties, but this is not common nationwide.
Depending on your region, security guard weapons could include:
- Handguns: Security guards in every state utilize handguns as a deterrent and to respond to life-threatening situations with appropriate force. With few exceptions, armed security guards work with handguns that chamber 9mm or .45 caliber rounds.
- Shotguns: States like Florida and Texas allow private security to use shotguns as part of their deployments. 12 gauge is the preferred option in most cases. This type of firearm is a more credible deterrent than a pistol and can be chambered with less lethal ammunition such as birdshot or rubber pellets.
- Rifles: By far the least common of the three types of security guard weapons. They are most often used by specialized guard forces, such as armored transport or infrastructure protection. Armed guards almost exclusively utilize semi-automatic platforms that chamber 5.56mm or 7.62mm rounds.
Even in states with fewer regulations for armed guards, training requirements for long guns are more stringent than those for handguns. Always check your state’s official literature for the most accurate information on security guard weapons.
Best Practices for Carrying Firearms
The US Department of the Interior stresses the diverse work environments in which security guards operate. Guards must protect critical assets in indoor and outdoor locations and all types of weather. Proficiency at a controlled firing range may not translate into proper firearms use on the job.
Armed guards and their clients must be aware of all conditions on-site and any credible threats that guards may encounter while performing their duties. Security operations can only be conducted safely and effectively if all parties are aware of each deployment’s duties.
Armed security and firearm safety are not boxes that are ticked once when a new guard completes their initial training. Refresher courses and proficiency tests are regular expectations for career guards, regardless of the state they operate in. Areas for continual improvement include:
- Safety Protocols: These cover weapon proficiency, proper transportation and storage of weapons and ammunition, concealed versus open carry, and adapting to changing weather and visibility conditions.
- Situational Awareness: This begins with proper consultation with a client. To conduct adequate security operations, armed guards need to know where the trouble spots are on a property, as well as any threats faced by personnel previously. Advanced firearms safety courses allow guards to hone their skills under varied conditions.
- Engagement Policies: Folks who hire armed security personnel should know how their community responds to firearms. Armed security guards do not receive the years of training that police officers do. Deterrence and deescalation are always the preferred options, and all stakeholders should specify when appropriate force will be needed. Providing clarity ensures firearms are handled safely, and that armed security guards can conduct operations effectively.
Legal Considerations and the Use of Deadly Force
Armed security guards should always conduct themselves with the highest levels of professionalism and in the interest of public safety. The best training programs will include instruction from veterans who can provide real-world context drawn from experience in the field. Once again, specific requirements vary by state, but some core concepts apply to all guards nationwide.
Self Defense
Americans are entitled to protect themselves and those in their care if they believe they are in danger or at risk of bodily harm. This includes security guards who are on duty. If a physical threat is apparent, any individual has the right to protect themselves with appropriate force—to either remove themselves from danger or to neutralize the imminent threat.
This does not allow for the use of deadly force in every instance. Self-defense must be appropriate to the threat at hand, even if the threat is directed at a uniformed security guard protecting a piece of property.
Use of Deadly Force
Security guards with the proper training are entrusted with firearms to respond to life-threatening situations. Deescalation is always preferred, but the mere fact that armed guards are needed demonstrates that some security environments require the use of deadly force.
Definitions of deadly force and its justifications vary by region, but what is consistent is that threats must be considered imminent. A threatening party must demonstrate the ability, opportunity, and intent to cause harm before a security guard can be justified in the use of deadly force. Guards need to be intimately familiar with the legal requirements in their state, as they could face significant legal ramifications if an incident occurs.
The Guard Alliance has decades of experience in the security industry. During that time, we’ve learned that armed guards are an excellent deterrent. They usually prevent opportunists from threatening personnel and property. If you have an armed guard on-site, deadly force is seldom necessary.
Contact The Guard Alliance for Armed Guards
Our team has proudly provided armed guards, unarmed guards, vehicle patrols, and fire watch in communities across the USA. We deploy expert, armed security personnel in every region that we service, including our home state of California.
We encourage everyone in our network—existing and prospective guards, as well as clients—to familiarize yourselves with the regulations for armed security in your state. Depending on the laws in your region, you may need to adjust your deployment plans or budget accordingly. Pay specific attention to the laws concerning the justified use of deadly force, as there may be significant legal ramifications for all involved.
Our team is ready to assist if you need security guards on-site today. Contact us for customized pricing and secure your peace of mind.
