Many businesses such as banks or government buildings prefer to have armed security guards instead of unarmed security guards. There are likely several reasons for this preference. Armed security guards do have more responsibility and are paid significantly higher than an unarmed security guard. They also have more training courses and more tests to complete prior to working in the field.

When would it be necessary to employ an armed security guard? Most businesses in high crime areas or increased violent areas may want to consider having an armed security guard providing protection. Banks are common locations to have an armed security guard especially if they are in a known area for high crime rates. Another example, money carriers or ATM service techs. They travel and work with large amounts of cash. Having an armed security guard moving the cash is a better option in reducing the likelihood of theft. Refilling an ATM machine takes time and creates an opportunity for potential theft. A visible firearm will likely decrease the odds.

An armed security guard must successfully complete and pass a series of tests before being hired or entering the work field. These tests and exams will prove a person is mentally healthy and can handle operating a firearm while on duty. A person must be twenty-one years old to work as an armed security guard. No one under the age of twenty-one can own or possess a firearm, that is why the age restriction applies to the armed security guard field. To be hired, a candidate must go through a series of tests and exams. These tests can vary from location to location but overall they consist of a psychological exam, a written test, and a shooting range test. The psychological exam and written exam are typically before hiring a candidate and the shooting range test is typically after a person is hired. This, again, varies from location to location and the company. The shooting range test may be after a candidate is hired due to the requirement of successfully passing an eight-hour firearm training course followed by the shooting range test. The eight hour course will teach the candidate or new hire everything they need to know in safely handling and operating a firearm. These tests and exams must be successfully complete and passed before entering the work field.

The candidate or new hire is responsible for obtaining the proper and correct permits or licenses to carry a firearm on duty. A common permit is the Private Security Officer (PSO) Permit to carry a firearm issued by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). Another permit that may be required is the concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit. These permits will also have its own course and test be issued the permit.

Most private security companies provide their armed security guards the firearms to use while on duty but some companies will supply a list of approved firearms for the person to purchase themselves. Armed security guards are not limited to just handguns, they also are trained to use shotguns and rifles. It is the private security company that determines their armed security guards’ purpose to align with their clients needs. Appropriate training and testing for each type of weapon is typically included or added to the initial eight-hour firearm course.

Training and experience is extremely important to be successful in the armed security field. The first impression for carrying a firearm for duty should be high risk situations. Like

mentioned, most companies employ armed security guards because they are located in high risk crime areas, have valuable assets to move, are VIP personnel, etc. In addition to the testing and exams to carry a firearm, there should be defensive tactic training involved. If a deadly weapon is pointed directly at you, you as an armed security guard must be confident in your next move.

In October of 2023, a Brinks armored truck arrived at an ATM to service for the Bank of America in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania when two unidentified males approached the Brinks employee. One of the males then shot at the driver, stole his firearm, and kicked him in the head. The unidentified males successfully robbed the truck getting away with a bag full of cash. Not to quarterback and nitpick what went wrong but had the Brinks employee had experience, training, and knowledge of defensive tactics, the firearm may not have been taken and the unidentified males may not have gotten the opportunity to follow through in robbing the truck. Working as an armed security guard requires a person to constantly be alert and aware of their surroundings.

In September of 2024 in North Carolina, a Brinks armored truck was servicing an ATM for Bank of America when an armed male approached the employee. The employee quickly responded and fatally shot the armed male. This incident occurred in a busy parking lot of a shopping center and no one else was injured. Due to this employee’s training and experience he or she was able to quickly react appropriately and eliminate the threat.

These types of scenarios happen more often than believed. Quick decisions have to be made to ensure the armed security guard is the one going home. The same for law enforcement agencies, they want to go home in one piece to their families. The decisions have to be made with only a fraction of a second. These decision making skills are sharpened through the proper training and knowledge gained through experience.

It is important to remember that armed security guards are not law enforcement and do not have the same authority levels as they do. Armed security guards’ authority levels are only for protection purposes of people, places, and objects. When considering a person for an armed security guard position, it may be necessary to check their background, experience, and provide the proper testing. The more experience they have with either law enforcement or military personnel the better they may be in handling a high stress situation.