Presumably, anyone who carries already understands that everyone is a potential target. Whether you work in a high-end jewelry store or drive an armored truck, anyone who has something that scumbags want for nothing is a target. The main difference in the armored courier business is that they not only allow their employees to defend themselves with guns, it's a requirement of the job.
That said, training can always be improved. I'd say that's basically true for most PD's too. There's no doubt in my mind that the vast majority of civilians who carry are woefully under-trained, but generally, when someone gets a new CWP and announces it around here, they get congratulations and good advice, not lectures about how imbecilic they're going to look in their first (if ever) combat situation, which is how it should be IMHO. I don't know why it should be any different for someone who's considering a job where they *get* to be armed with the blessings of their employer!
I just started with the "other" company than the one already mentioned in this thread and I haven't found fault with the security policies for their messengers (the guys and gals who leave the truck and go in and out of customers' businesses) or their drivers (which is what I am as of now), but I do see individuals who easily become complacent and slough off the policies and training, leaving themselves wide open for the kinds of attacks seen in the video above. And by the way, that particular messenger's training was either woefully lacking, or he forgot it all in the heat of battle. It appeared to me that he fired in anger, not defensively, after the threat was fleeing, which is an open invitation for lawsuits, both personally against him and against his company. Even if the BG is the one he hit and got sued by, that video would serve as the best evidence for the plaintiff in the narrow question of whether or not the guard had a justifiable reason to use deadly force when he used it. In that case, it doesn't appear that he was justified to me.
I haven't decided yet whether or not I want to get into being a messenger. I spent the last 8 years working for a delivery company where arming one's self was strictly verboten, and I was much more of a helpless, defenseless target then (or so they thought :image035: )than I have the potential to be now as an armored truck driver. The trucks are truly armored, exceeding the protection of a level III vest with steel or ceramic plates, which will stop most common rifle rounds and all but the most exotic of pistol rounds. The difference being, of course, with a vest, you still take one hel-luva blow. In the truck, you take nothing but the adreneline-dump, which is uncomfortable, but definitely survivable.
Anyway, instead of scolding someone for going after a job that appeals to them, why not wish him the best of luck and encourage him to take advantage of, and pay close attention to, the training that's available? Most of us have spent lots of money getting training in practical and defensive shooting. I just did my weapons qualifications last week and got paid to burn up about 500 rounds with an instructor who is a retired cop and qualified to certify NRA instructors. The training was top-notch, and as always, even before I was getting paid to consider such things, it's up to me to implement it so that it can live up to its potential of saving my life when things go south.
If you get called back CelticWolf, get ready for a total anal exam as far as your background and credit rating (as previously mentioned), and answer every question honestly. They won't (and really can't) tolerate little fibs, much less big lies. If you want it, go for it, and I personally wish you the best of luck. It's honest work, literally and figuratively, and the benefits ain't half-bad with my company. You could do a lot worse, believe me!
Blues
**EDITED to add:
The messengers in my company carry S&W M&P 40's with three full mags of ammo. The drivers do still carry the 38's, but there's a reason for that. Auto-loaders don't do so well sticking out of a gun-port. The slide can easily get hung up while shooting. Revolvers do just fine though, as does the 12 ga. Remington 870 that's in every truck too.