Weak Links in the Armed Security Guard Profession

Weak Links in the Armed Security Guard Profession

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Dec 10, 2014

I’m always on the lookout for good news stories that relate to the security industry – the ones that grab me, that really sparks something inside of me, and I think I found one. Maybe I’m still too “new to the industry” to realize this, but there are no national standards for armed security guards nor is there a national database of how many shoot or misuse their guns. This struck me as a little odd to say the least.

CNN teamed up with The Center for Investigative Reporting for a yearlong investigation, examining training standards for armed guards in all 50 states. The results were a bit alarming. 

Take this comparison: A manicurist in California is required to complete 400 hours of training to receive a license, but an armed security guard only needs 54 total hours with only 14 of them dedicated to firearms training. That’s just in California; in 15 states, no firearms training is needed at all. The result of this lack of training can be seen here:

In the state of Nevada, a guard felt the need to fire his gun into the air outside a rowdy teen dance. The result? The bullet came down, struck and killed a teenage bystander.

The investigation also discovered that the backgrounds of armed security guards varied from those with criminal records for domestic violence, drug and alcohol offenses to former law enforcement officers with serious disciplinary problems. In addition, 27 states don’t even check if an armed guard is banned by federal law from carrying a firearm and 9 states don’t even conduct criminal background checks at all.

Some are calling for stricter standards, like Steve Amitay, lobbyist and general counsel for National Association of Security Companies. He is lobbying for FBI criminal background checks for anyone who desires to be an armed security guard.

What do you think? What should the requirements be for armed security guards? Should they be held to nationally-recognized standards? What about possessing a firearm? Should armed guards be required a certain number of training hours each year? And, background checks? Should these be required for each potential armed guard?

Looking forward to discussing this with you!

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • 2025 Security LeadHER Conference Program Announced

    ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) – the leading membership associations for the security industry – have announced details for the 2025 Security LeadHER conference, a special event dedicated to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession. The third annual Security LeadHER conference will be held Monday, June 9 – Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan. This carefully crafted program represents a comprehensive professional development opportunity for women in security this year. To view the full lineup at this year’s event, please visit securityleadher.org. Read Now

    • Industry Events

  • Report: 82 Percent of Phishing Emails Used AI

    KnowBe4, the world-renowned cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, today launched its Phishing Threat Trend Report, detailing key trends, new data, and threat intelligence insights surrounding phishing threats targeting organizations at the start of 2025. Read Now

  • NRF Supports Federal Bill to Thwart Retail Crime

    The National Retail Federation recently announced its support for the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025. The act was introduced by Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and Representative Dave Joyce, R-Ohio. Read Now

  • ISC West 2025 Brings Almost 29,000 Industry Professionals to Las Vegas

    ISC West 2025, organized by RX and in collaboration with the Security Industry Association, concluded at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas last week. The nation’s leading comprehensive and converged security event attracted nearly 29,000 industry professionals and left a lasting impression on the global security community. Over five action-packed days, ISC West welcomed more than 19,000 attendees and featured 750 exhibiting brands. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • Tradeshow Work Can Be Fun

    While at ISC West last week, I ran into numerous friends and associates all of which was a pleasant experience. The first question always seemed to be, “How many does this make for you?” Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
Most   Popular

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.