"Unarmed" guard CCW - Page 2

matiki · July 3rd, 2008, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattLarson

Indeed.

However, the other item I quoted seems to indicate that you cannot carry under the license granted by your CCW while working as a licensed security guard.

Matt

I believe there is a key distinction.

You cannot carry for work using your CPL.

Quote:

Per RCW 18.170.050, “All firearms carried by armed private security guards in the performance of their duties must be owned or leased by the employer and, if required by law, must be registered with the proper government agency.”

Your CPL is not restricted by whether or not you are working, or what type of work you do.

Would you lose your guard license as well as your job? Probably. The DOL sets the rules and handles such issues.

ETA: Also bear in mind that the DOL can fine you, similar to the TSA, etc. so they have more teeth than just suspending, revoking or permanently barring your license.

KenInColo · July 3rd, 2008, 02:40 PM

I'm not a lawyer either yada, yada but if WA requires licenses for armed security officers I think that you might get into trouble w/the state as well as your employer. By arming yourself on the job, you would be an unlicensed "armed security officer".

It may jeopardize your personal CCW license as well as get you fired and may even prevent you from ever getting an armed security license.

FlyboyLDB · July 3rd, 2008, 03:26 PM

State law applies. Since there is no directive regarding carrying while on routine security duty, then the law as it is written for permit/license holders applies. Your employer has other rules, which in your state may or may not violate state law - meaning what does the law require if you know "no firearms allowed" are instituted at any given place of business & your violate that rule? Of course you will be terminated if discovered carrying since it is against company policy.

luvmyglock · July 3rd, 2008, 04:20 PM

I am working as an unarmed guard while I am finishing school. This is extremely frustrating for me, as I have always been armed. Always. I have to CCW on the motorcycle on the way to the bus station, on the bus on the way to work, on the walk from the bus stop to my building, and then disarm and stash the weapon while i work. I frequently deal with bums and crackheads sleeping in the parking garage at my place of work. It's frustrating. I definitely agree with you. Hopefully I will quit before anything too bad happens. I will graduate in 9 months...

johnsr · July 3rd, 2008, 11:53 PM

In Texas You can not carry as a noncom. security officer.

you will "open carry only" as a comm. security officer.

While in uniform you can not ccw. no matter what. State law. State aproved commissions. Very strict.

paramedic70002 · July 4th, 2008, 01:13 AM

Crazy security laws, much better in VA.

Anyway, in my experience, the reason there exists unarmed security positions is that some people won't pay for armed officers. The vast majority of unarmed contracts my company had would gladly let the officers carry, as long as they didn't have to pay for it. If you are certified armed, it may be nothing more than a money issue (and ignorant boss, can't help with that).

SubNine · July 4th, 2008, 04:41 AM

I can certainly relate to your situation. I too work unarmed security, and the agency I work for only allows their patrol officers to be armed, and I need to be 25 if I want to become one for insurance purposes. I usually keep my small folding blade and my Surefire 6P defender with me at all times since I work nights. In a couple years though (If I'm still working for them) I hope to become a patrol officer. My only suggestion to you is, if you find a suspicious person on your post, keep your distance, don't let them see you, and call for assistance. Working as a security officer, you're nothing more than eyes and ears.

Sleepnheat · July 4th, 2008, 10:16 AM

The reason the question came up is because we will sometimes use my van for survaillence and I usually have a pistol in the glove box. I have been in security for 7 years and know that CCW on routine patrols is typically not a good idea. I just don't want to leave my pistol at home cause we might use my vehicle.

It is against Co. policy to use personal vehicles but, the bosses turn their heads cause a I have large van with a very dark tint.

In regards to the armed positions.....I make more $ in my position than armed patrol supivisors....hehehehe

July 3rd, 2008, 02:40 PM	#12
KenInColo Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: western Colorado Posts: 443	I'm not a lawyer either yada, yada but if WA requires licenses for armed security officers I think that you might get into trouble w/the state as well as your employer. By arming yourself on the job, you would be an unlicensed "armed security officer". It may jeopardize your personal CCW license as well as get you fired and may even prevent you from ever getting an armed security license. __________________ An armed populace are called citizens. An unarmed populace are called subjects.

July 3rd, 2008, 04:20 PM	#14
luvmyglock Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Washington Posts: 559	I am working as an unarmed guard while I am finishing school. This is extremely frustrating for me, as I have always been armed. Always. I have to CCW on the motorcycle on the way to the bus station, on the bus on the way to work, on the walk from the bus stop to my building, and then disarm and stash the weapon while i work. I frequently deal with bums and crackheads sleeping in the parking garage at my place of work. It's frustrating. I definitely agree with you. Hopefully I will quit before anything too bad happens. I will graduate in 9 months... __________________ EVIL PREVAILS WHEN GOOD MEN FAIL TO ACT.

July 4th, 2008, 01:13 AM	#16
paramedic70002 Distinguished Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Franklin, VA Posts: 1,708	Crazy security laws, much better in VA. Anyway, in my experience, the reason there exists unarmed security positions is that some people won't pay for armed officers. The vast majority of unarmed contracts my company had would gladly let the officers carry, as long as they didn't have to pay for it. If you are certified armed, it may be nothing more than a money issue (and ignorant boss, can't help with that). __________________ Guns Save Lives. Paramedics Save Lives. But... Paramedics With Guns Scare People!

July 4th, 2008, 04:41 AM	#17
SubNine Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Anchorage Alaska Posts: 916	I can certainly relate to your situation. I too work unarmed security, and the agency I work for only allows their patrol officers to be armed, and I need to be 25 if I want to become one for insurance purposes. I usually keep my small folding blade and my Surefire 6P defender with me at all times since I work nights. In a couple years though (If I'm still working for them) I hope to become a patrol officer. My only suggestion to you is, if you find a suspicious person on your post, keep your distance, don't let them see you, and call for assistance. Working as a security officer, you're nothing more than eyes and ears. __________________ USMC rule # 23 of gunfighting: Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

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July 3rd, 2008, 03:26 PM	#13
FlyboyLDB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: GA Posts: 581	State law applies. Since there is no directive regarding carrying while on routine security duty, then the law as it is written for permit/license holders applies. Your employer has other rules, which in your state may or may not violate state law - meaning what does the law require if you know "no firearms allowed" are instituted at any given place of business & your violate that rule? Of course you will be terminated if discovered carrying since it is against company policy.

July 3rd, 2008, 11:53 PM	#15
johnsr Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: beaver creek texas Posts: 120	In Texas You can not carry as a noncom. security officer. you will "open carry only" as a comm. security officer. While in uniform you can not ccw. no matter what. State law. State aproved commissions. Very strict.

July 4th, 2008, 10:16 AM	#18
Sleepnheat Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Washington Posts: 39	The reason the question came up is because we will sometimes use my van for survaillence and I usually have a pistol in the glove box. I have been in security for 7 years and know that CCW on routine patrols is typically not a good idea. I just don't want to leave my pistol at home cause we might use my vehicle. It is against Co. policy to use personal vehicles but, the bosses turn their heads cause a I have large van with a very dark tint. In regards to the armed positions.....I make more $ in my position than armed patrol supivisors....hehehehe