Armed Commercial Security Guards?

[joey93turbo]

I've always wondered, so now I'm asking. I see armed security guards and armored truck drivers and always wonder what happens if they shoot someone. Are they held personally responsible? Would it be the same as one of us with a CHL shooting someone? Does the company take responsibility for it? When are they allowed to use their weapons? Are they only allowed to use them to defend themselves or property they're protecting as well?

Since as far as I know these guys aren't given any LE rights by the citizens, where do they stand?

 

[gunsmith]

same liabillity as any citizen

Not only that but most large corporations (like Loomis) wouldn't
go to bat for you or pay for your lawyer!

When are they allowed to use their weapons?

You know, a hangover or generally feeling in a bad mood

Once in downtown SF a hysterical ninny (serious, a very accurate description)
told me my partner had his hand on his weapon (my partner was around the corner) and he wanted to know "how do we know when to shoot?"
I answered in my best official voice "when the little voices in my head tell me too"

 

[Kaeto]

Armed Security

Here in Mi. an armed guard may only draw his weapon and shoot after he has been fired on. (Assuming he's still alive that is.)

 

[hoji]

In Texas the deadly force rules apply the same for security officers as the do for private citizens. No different. Same arrest authority as well.
Self defense, defense of a third party,stop a felony{ in your presence or view} plus a few others but that is it basicly.

 

[Thin Black Line]

The only armed commercial security guards we see here in the midwest are
the ones who show up for the first time at a factory the same morning
everyone is told their jobs just ended that day.

True story: a friend saw this happen when he was told he needed to
travel to one of their other locations to help "tweak some machines."
He showed up, the security guards showed up, heard the news with
everyone else, and was told by management to stay to help prepare the
machines for shipment to Mexico.....there were no incidents. People
were pretty much in shock.

I guess this is an improvement from the early 20th century when "armed
commercial security guards" and employees would mix it up, the employees
would get shot, and the legal system would look the other way.

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

I think they have no extra authority, and are often at a disadvantage in comparison to a CCW license holder due to company policy on use of force. Like anyone else, though, they are authorized to challenge anyone who is unauthorized to be where they are, such as climbing into the back of an armored truck. If the challenge doesn't work, they are permitted to use reasonable force (the definition of which varies from state to state) to expel or arrest them (like anyone else), but they may not use deadly force unless in reasonable fear of grave bodily injury or death, like any one else. I seem to recall that the security company I used to work for had some kind of insurance coverage for legal defense if one of their State licensed/certified security guards used force consistent with company policy, but it only applied to those with a security guard license/certification. I don't know if all States issue security guard licenses/certifications.

 

[Roadwild17]

Where I'm at, theres a big yellow line. Cross the line without clerance and they "have to right to detain you by the use of force."

 

[WT]

In my state armed guards are allowed to use deadly force to defend themselves against serious bodily injury or death ...... just like any other typical civilian. However, armed guards are allowed to use force and deadly force to protect property.

Guards are licensed and armed guards go thru a state mandated firearms training program.

We have a bunch of armed guards around our nuclear power plants.

Under federal law, armed guards from other states in armored bank trucks are permitted to pass thru / deliver.