Armed Security Guards: Training, Benefits, and Positions

Armed security guards are guards who handle firearms or other weapons and use them to protect an individual or property against potential danger. These security guards are highly trained and skilled for handling weapons before they are deployed to their perspective employers. In order to be eligible for an armed security guard job, these individuals must pass strict requirements such as a comprehensive background check and the legality of their age. Tests such as fingerprinting and even DNA testing may be included in the screening process.

How Armed Security Guards Differ from Unarmed Security Guards

Armed guards carry a firearm with them at all times.  This weapon maybe used in the aid of securing an individual or property.  Unarmed guards on the other hand do not carry weapons.  Their duty is to observe and report to a higher authority.  Armed security guards receive higher pay when compared to unarmed security guards. In part due to the amount of training that is required as well as the cost for firearm’s licensing. Due to the risks associated with using a gun, armed security guards also have higher insurance premiums than unarmed ones.

Training for Armed Security Guards

Armed security guards are trained in all facets of protecting a person or a property. Often, the Security Company that hires and manages these security guards provides the needed training. The training includes operating a surveillance system, the use of firearms and doing street surveillance.

Before being deployed, Texas law requires that armed security guards, who are not currently policemen, will have completed  30 hours of required training. Additionally, they would have to undergo an 8-hour refresher course in training every year that they are on the job. Current police officers, or even retired ones, are some of the few who are exempted from taking the extensive trainings. Also included in the exemptions are licensed private investigators, peace officers and some military staff. For certain work environments, some additional training might have to be taken. For instance, armed security guards who are assigned to prison will have to undergo training on dealing with angry prisoners and on how to deal with prison riots. Armed security guards may have to be trained as well on company policies and ethics.

Benefits of Hiring Armed Security Guards

A number of businesses employ armed security guards to protect their properties and employees. For business locations that have high incidents of vandalism, theft or robbery, armed security guards can provide better protection to individuals and properties. They are also ideal for businesses or properties that have alarm systems or video cameras installed, as they are well trained in operating these kinds of systems.

Armed Security Guard Posts

Armed security guards are trained to perform their duties serving many different posts.  These might include, government buildings, banks, jewelry stores, political events, and even personal protection services.  Personal protection services might include protecting dignitaries, CEO’s, and movie stars.  They can also be assigned to man and operate closed circuit televisions (CCTV) as they are trained and knowledgeable in operating these systems. Of course, there are also the standard patrol duties as are often found in apartment and mall security.  Armed guards have a large spectrum of clients and locations to protect creating quite a varied job.

About the Author

Jeffery Singletary is the owner of Centron Security in Houston Texas. Backed by more than two decades of law enforcement and security experience, Centron Security, a Houston security company, has the expertise to meet your uniformed security guard needs.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 281-256-8130.

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