Armed Security
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Crazy88Fingers
New member
I did unarmed security for a while. Considered armed security, but it wasn't worth the extra $200 in licensing and training for the potential $1/hr raise.
You'll be the new guy, so you'll be working the weekend graveyard shift. The pay is a little over minimum wage, but not by much. And expect to spend a lot of time doing absolutely nothing. Unless you're former military or LEO, it's hard to get a good security gig.
You'll be the new guy, so you'll be working the weekend graveyard shift. The pay is a little over minimum wage, but not by much. And expect to spend a lot of time doing absolutely nothing. Unless you're former military or LEO, it's hard to get a good security gig.
I had a friend that worked at a local hospital while in college and he was pretty happy with the job. The money was not the greatest, but the benefits were pretty good. He also really liked the overall working environment and felt he was treated with respect be “most” people.
checkmyswag
New member
I looked at doing security. Pay varied by location. Sometimes unarmed were actually paid more.
Friend did armed 2 crackheads jumped him for copper om night, company didnt back him at all after the shooting 1 died other stabbed my friend and was also wounded he just got out of prison for manslaughter type charge after 4 years, Never Never would i recommend ANYONE To do it.. i don't care who its for NO Company is going to back you on a shooting....
armed private security?
It all depends on the company you work for.
Unfortunately, many security companies are poorly run and have sub-standard pay and benefits, so the quality of their employees is not high.
I worked private security (unarmed) for 2-1/2 years before I became a cop. The company I worked for was a joke, but I had a steady post assignment close to home and so it worked out well for me. I worked the midnight shift in a garden center and later at a lumber yard while I was in college, and I was able to study on duty and write my papers on duty and everything.
Research the licensing requirements in your particular state and ask around about companies in your area. Usually there is one better than the others.
In my experience hospital security is often run more professionally, and the SOs working the emergency room get involved in all sorts of interesting situations.
It all depends on the company you work for.
Unfortunately, many security companies are poorly run and have sub-standard pay and benefits, so the quality of their employees is not high.
I worked private security (unarmed) for 2-1/2 years before I became a cop. The company I worked for was a joke, but I had a steady post assignment close to home and so it worked out well for me. I worked the midnight shift in a garden center and later at a lumber yard while I was in college, and I was able to study on duty and write my papers on duty and everything.
Research the licensing requirements in your particular state and ask around about companies in your area. Usually there is one better than the others.
In my experience hospital security is often run more professionally, and the SOs working the emergency room get involved in all sorts of interesting situations.
armed security; skill training...
A few of the topic posts here are; "on target",
.
I'm a US military veteran & licensed in both armed/unarmed security.
The private sector has gone way down payrate wise in the last 4 years(2008 or so). For the risks & danger involved it may honestly not be worth it compared to other service industry jobs or hourly rate positions.
A few govt contract or armed posts may pay well or offer decent benefits/work conditions but they only make up about 5-10% of the available posts. Some firms or posts have extremely high standards too(fitness level, AED-CPR training, TWIC, etc).
I'd close by saying no security guard or officer should be "unarmed". Danger or unstable-violent subjects are EVERYWHERE. An "unarmed" security guard in my area was attacked & nearly killed in a violent attack from a unarmed subject.
You should carry a tactical/LED type white-light, OC spray, C2 or X26 Tasers, ASP or PR-24s and a "tactical" ink pen(Uzi, Tuff Writer, Tactical Takedown etc). I'd avoid security firms or officers that are risk adverse. They are not concerned about officer safety or protection.
ClydeFrog
PS: if you start to work armed anywhere, learn about courses or programs to increase your skills. Go above the min standards. The classes & related equipment may be a write-off for taxes too.
A few of the topic posts here are; "on target",
.I'm a US military veteran & licensed in both armed/unarmed security.
The private sector has gone way down payrate wise in the last 4 years(2008 or so). For the risks & danger involved it may honestly not be worth it compared to other service industry jobs or hourly rate positions.
A few govt contract or armed posts may pay well or offer decent benefits/work conditions but they only make up about 5-10% of the available posts. Some firms or posts have extremely high standards too(fitness level, AED-CPR training, TWIC, etc).
I'd close by saying no security guard or officer should be "unarmed". Danger or unstable-violent subjects are EVERYWHERE. An "unarmed" security guard in my area was attacked & nearly killed in a violent attack from a unarmed subject.
You should carry a tactical/LED type white-light, OC spray, C2 or X26 Tasers, ASP or PR-24s and a "tactical" ink pen(Uzi, Tuff Writer, Tactical Takedown etc). I'd avoid security firms or officers that are risk adverse. They are not concerned about officer safety or protection.
ClydeFrog
PS: if you start to work armed anywhere, learn about courses or programs to increase your skills. Go above the min standards. The classes & related equipment may be a write-off for taxes too.
Maximus856
New member
I'd say just be prepared to deal with people who think the rules don't apply to them even over the smallest things. Older people who fall in this category think they've done there time and have the right to do as they please, and younger people tend to think they have something to prove. This may seem obvious, but for lack of better words this will get annoying. Being armed, you will most certainly have to keep your cool and remember your job is to de-escalate the situation.
Remember that if you go into a situation where you draw and you're not an officer in uniform, people may view you as just a guy with a gun and react accordingly. And if something is to happen, you better hope you have the backing legally through the comany to ensure you stay out of jail.
-Max.
Remember that if you go into a situation where you draw and you're not an officer in uniform, people may view you as just a guy with a gun and react accordingly. And if something is to happen, you better hope you have the backing legally through the comany to ensure you stay out of jail.
-Max.
Crazy88Fingers
New member
I can second (or third?) most companies being poorly run. I remember going to one office to apply for a job. The door was locked about two hours before closing time. I could hear people talking inside, so I tried calling to see what was up. I could hear the phone ringing in the office, and no one seemed to care.
This is typical.
Basically, you'd probably be better off with a job at the local Mega-Lo-Mart. The pay is only slightly less and you won't have to patrol dark parking lots by yourself all night.
This is typical.
Basically, you'd probably be better off with a job at the local Mega-Lo-Mart. The pay is only slightly less and you won't have to patrol dark parking lots by yourself all night.
caliber of firms; PSCs, weapons...
This topic seems to slide off the "firearms" track but I agree with these posts too.
Many(80-90%) of armed security companies in the US are only concerned with profits and/or contracts. Some low end firms know they can't get or maintain armed posts so they try & drain as much $ as they can.
Many clients or sites are either clueless or inept too about use of force laws, regulations, state licenses, equipment, gear, etc.
I'd add that if you must buy your own sidearm or duty weapon, I highly suggest a hammer fired DA only pistol like a SIG Sauer DAK or a PX4 C format.
They are safe, easy to fire/train with & you may avoid the false claims of "firing by accident" or panic. Many sworn LE officers are issued DA only pistols(or neutered as the LAPD calls them, ) for these reasons.
Large agencies like the NYPD, the US Border Patrol and ICE all use DA only pistols with good results.
Clyde
This topic seems to slide off the "firearms" track but I agree with these posts too.
Many(80-90%) of armed security companies in the US are only concerned with profits and/or contracts. Some low end firms know they can't get or maintain armed posts so they try & drain as much $ as they can.
Many clients or sites are either clueless or inept too about use of force laws, regulations, state licenses, equipment, gear, etc.
I'd add that if you must buy your own sidearm or duty weapon, I highly suggest a hammer fired DA only pistol like a SIG Sauer DAK or a PX4 C format.
They are safe, easy to fire/train with & you may avoid the false claims of "firing by accident" or panic. Many sworn LE officers are issued DA only pistols(or neutered as the LAPD calls them,
) for these reasons.Large agencies like the NYPD, the US Border Patrol and ICE all use DA only pistols with good results.
Clyde
I can only speak about the security guard system in Phoenix Area. Pay is low, be prepared to take a lot of crap and keep cool. Most of the good jobs are taken by off duty cops using Department equipment for their personnal work.
Armed guards generally work apartment complexs. Most of those jobs involve complexs were the PHOENIX PD won't go without SWAT. If you are involved in an incident your weapon will be seized, You will be lucky to get it back in a year or two. There was an incident a few years back were two PHX PD officers were ambushed. An armed guard on his way home intervened and protected the Officers by killing one of the attackers. His Glock was seized and to my knowledge never returned. The Phx PD Association did honor the Guard and presented him with a new Pistol.
This does not happen to normal guard in a normal shooting. Note I said NORMAL. I could have used the word Routine. When I worked secuirty, I would listen to the shooting as I made my rounds. When the bulletts started falling around me I would go into the building and read or watch television.
Armed guards generally work apartment complexs. Most of those jobs involve complexs were the PHOENIX PD won't go without SWAT. If you are involved in an incident your weapon will be seized, You will be lucky to get it back in a year or two. There was an incident a few years back were two PHX PD officers were ambushed. An armed guard on his way home intervened and protected the Officers by killing one of the attackers. His Glock was seized and to my knowledge never returned. The Phx PD Association did honor the Guard and presented him with a new Pistol.
This does not happen to normal guard in a normal shooting. Note I said NORMAL. I could have used the word Routine. When I worked secuirty, I would listen to the shooting as I made my rounds. When the bulletts started falling around me I would go into the building and read or watch television.
I do armed security part time. While the pay is probably less than what you'd deserve... It still pays a couple of bills.
Some of the other guys tease me because I still carry a .38 revolver (my own). Most guys carry one 9mm pistol or another. (The state mandates .38 or 9mm only) I feel confident carrying a revolver. I work at a retail location and in a hospitality location. I carry a Colt trooper in .38spl.
Some of the other guys tease me because I still carry a .38 revolver (my own). Most guys carry one 9mm pistol or another. (The state mandates .38 or 9mm only) I feel confident carrying a revolver. I work at a retail location and in a hospitality location. I carry a Colt trooper in .38spl.
Good gear...
I agree with part of the last post.
It may be smart to use a high quality LE trade-in or a sidearm a lot like what local LE agencies issue or carry.
Author, sworn LE officer & tactics instructor Massad Ayoob puts that advice out often to armed citizens/students.
As posted, a used pistol may get knocked around & banged up a lot on duty.
Years ago, I work on a mobile patrol position that by contract had sites that were armed & unarmed for uniformed security officers.
It was a #+=% to holster & re-holster constantly on duty.
I also worked briefly as an armed prisoner transportation officer(extraditions).
The armed, uniformed security officers had to sign their sidearms in/out constantly in state/local jails, prisons, detention cells, etc.
We once had to place all our firearms & weapons in a plastic bucket!
I'll close by saying the smart thing to carry in armed or unarmed security jobs is a good fixed or folding blade. A top brand like CRKT, Ernest Emerson, Benchmade, Gerber, Cold Steel, etc. Don't use cheap, mall ninja crap either.
Professional grade designs with glass breakers & seat belt cutters work best.
I kept a razor sharp Benchmade knife with me for approx 3yrs on security details. It will be useful & give you a "quiet professional" look.
ClydeFrog
PS: Please check any local-state laws re; knives, chemical agents, taser or energy weapons, ASPs, etc. Get formal documented skill training too before you carry any weapons or restraints(handcuffs) on any protective service site/job.
I agree with part of the last post.
It may be smart to use a high quality LE trade-in or a sidearm a lot like what local LE agencies issue or carry.
Author, sworn LE officer & tactics instructor Massad Ayoob puts that advice out often to armed citizens/students.
As posted, a used pistol may get knocked around & banged up a lot on duty.
Years ago, I work on a mobile patrol position that by contract had sites that were armed & unarmed for uniformed security officers.
It was a #+=% to holster & re-holster constantly on duty.
I also worked briefly as an armed prisoner transportation officer(extraditions).
The armed, uniformed security officers had to sign their sidearms in/out constantly in state/local jails, prisons, detention cells, etc.
We once had to place all our firearms & weapons in a plastic bucket!
I'll close by saying the smart thing to carry in armed or unarmed security jobs is a good fixed or folding blade. A top brand like CRKT, Ernest Emerson, Benchmade, Gerber, Cold Steel, etc. Don't use cheap, mall ninja crap either.
Professional grade designs with glass breakers & seat belt cutters work best.
I kept a razor sharp Benchmade knife with me for approx 3yrs on security details. It will be useful & give you a "quiet professional" look.
ClydeFrog
PS: Please check any local-state laws re; knives, chemical agents, taser or energy weapons, ASPs, etc. Get formal documented skill training too before you carry any weapons or restraints(handcuffs) on any protective service site/job.
I was lucky enough to have one of the better armed security jobs. As a result of 9/11, military bases across the country stepped up their security. Many of them contracted this out through private companies. I worked for one of these, after coming back from a National Guard deployment overseas. Paid pretty well (over $20/hour), but the benefits weren't very good.
Our equipment was provided to us. Our handgun was the Beretta 92F. However, for rather crazy liability reasons, they made us carry them with the chamber empty, safety on, and only ten rounds in the magazine. We were also issued OC spray (I hated getting sprayed in the face with that, but it was a requirement to be certified to carry it), ASP batons, and handcuffs. We were issued mag-lites, but most of us carried a smaller flashlight instead. We were issued and required to wear body armor. We also were sometimes issued shotguns, a Mossberg 500 8-shot model, though we only has 6 shells, and of course the chamber had to be empty. Didn't mind the empty chamber so much with a pump shotgun, though.
We got some decent training, qualified with our handguns, familiarized with the shotguns, baton training, weapon retention training, some hand-to-hand training and disarming training.
There was only one incident where officers drew their sidearms during the time I worked there. A vehicle was being inspected, full of non-English speaking people (illegal aliens I think), and when the door opened, a cartridge fell out onto the pavement. The officers drew and detained them until Department of Defense Police could arrive and take over. No shots were fired.
Overall, it was a decent job, paid well (very well for security), and I don't regret working it for the 2 and a half years I did. So, there are some decent armed security jobs out there, but few and far between.
Our equipment was provided to us. Our handgun was the Beretta 92F. However, for rather crazy liability reasons, they made us carry them with the chamber empty, safety on, and only ten rounds in the magazine. We were also issued OC spray (I hated getting sprayed in the face with that, but it was a requirement to be certified to carry it), ASP batons, and handcuffs. We were issued mag-lites, but most of us carried a smaller flashlight instead. We were issued and required to wear body armor. We also were sometimes issued shotguns, a Mossberg 500 8-shot model, though we only has 6 shells, and of course the chamber had to be empty. Didn't mind the empty chamber so much with a pump shotgun, though.
We got some decent training, qualified with our handguns, familiarized with the shotguns, baton training, weapon retention training, some hand-to-hand training and disarming training.
There was only one incident where officers drew their sidearms during the time I worked there. A vehicle was being inspected, full of non-English speaking people (illegal aliens I think), and when the door opened, a cartridge fell out onto the pavement. The officers drew and detained them until Department of Defense Police could arrive and take over. No shots were fired.
Overall, it was a decent job, paid well (very well for security), and I don't regret working it for the 2 and a half years I did. So, there are some decent armed security jobs out there, but few and far between.
wun_8_seven
New member
I do armed security for an energy co.and it pays $25 per hour plus benefiits,but most armed jobs around here pay $9-12 an hour
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