Do Security Guards Need Special Permits for Firearms?
After completing your 40 hour guard card training to become a licensed security guard, you are ready to serve and protect. However, completing training and becoming a licensed security guard does NOT qualify you to carry a gun on the job. If you want to be an armed guard, there are some additional requirements that have to be fulfilled.
Carrying a gun while serving as a security guard is necessary in some jobs, so you may wish to explore the training you’ll need to be able to carry a weapon. BSIS explains:
- No private patrol or alarm company employee can carry either loaded or unloaded firearms without a firearms qualification card.
- A firearms qualification card can be issued to licensed private investigators; operators of alarm companies; private patrol operators; or registered employees of such businesses. A card can also be issued to people who are compensated as security guards or patrol persons by lawful businesses or public agencies.
- You’ll need to undergo a background check and submit an application for a Firearms qualification card.
- You’ll need to submit proof that you successfully completed a course in carrying and using a firearm.