ARMED SECURITY GUARD Armed security guards are highly trained individuals working in a role of immense responsibility. Many are current or ex-military/law enforcement ...

ARMED SECURITY GUARD

Armed security guards are highly trained individuals working in a role of immense responsibility. Many are current or ex-military/law enforcement officers, and all have undergone the necessary training and registration that allows them to carry a firearm in the course of their security duties.

 What Are Security Guard Duties and Responsibilities

                              Security Guard Training

                             Armed Security Guard

                             Unarmed Security Guard

Security Guard Training

Whether armed or unarmed, all private security guards undergo extensive training. While this will, of course, include varying degrees of combat tutelage, the hallmark of the best unarmed and armed security guards is the ability to recognize and diffuse any potentially volatile situation. Such proficiency is crucial, preventing the escalation of an incident before it occurs.

Further training includes that of risk assessment, something especially vital when it comes to the field of armed executive or close protection. Strategic analysis of real, potential, and possible risk, with multiple action plans for any eventuality, are crucial skills of the armed close protection agent.

The number of private armed security guards is on the increase, and are a common sight in many public areas. These include places such as banks, schools, and churches. Every state has slightly differing license and certification requirements surrounding the regulation of armed security guards. When carrying out their duties there’s always the potential of having to discharge their weapon, therefore each individual must have the expertise to store, care for, and correctly utilize the firearm should the situation arise. Such a responsibility naturally warrants extensive and ongoing training.

Armed Security Guard

The duties of the armed security guard will differ somewhat, depending on the particular role in which they’re employed. For instance, the daily routine of those who work in a school environment will be significantly distinct from those who work as an armed executive protection officer. However, the underlying responsibilities and obligations remain the same. 

 These include:

                    The protection of property and/or persons

                    To prevent criminal acts from taking place—such as theft, vandalism, hostility, violence, attacks, etc.

                    Recognize and diffuse potential criminal and/or violent situations

                    React with force (lethal if necessary) should the situation warrant

While armed security guards do, of course, have a right to draw and discharge their weapons, this will always be the very last course of action. Such a position of responsibility calls for very particular personal skills that are further enhanced by training specific to that of the security guard. These include, but certainly aren’t restricted to,

                            Situational awareness

                            The ability to recognize body language and behaviors that might be cause for concern

                            Exceptional communication skills

                            An impeccable attitude regarding confidentiality