"Unarmed Security -- Am I Missing Something"???

Status
Not open for further replies.
D

David

Member
Joined
Dec 25, 2002
Messages
804
Location
USA
We went to our local shopping mall today, and noticed about the same number of private security guards walking and driving around as usual.

I thought we might see a bunch more security considering the HIGH ALERT we are on.

Also, I was thinking, none of the security guards I have EVER seen working at any mall were ARMED -- I'm talking about NO firearms, NO batons, and even NO OC spray.

I don't get it -- am I missing something?:banghead:

Especially in our post 9/11 world, I would think that all private security should have the proper training, etc. and be armed.

Also, here is a link to a scary USA Today article about private security:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation...ity-cover_x.htm

Based on this article, perhaps it is a good thing that most of these guys and gals CURRENTLY working as security guards are NOT armed.:uhoh:

Maybe, if private security paid a good wage, it would attract professional folks who might really help prevent crime and possible terrorism -- ???

These days, I think our safety and security should NOT go to the lowest bidder.:cuss:

Like I said, am I missing something?
 
Last edited:
Security is not there for you, the customer or the merchant. The guards think they are...but actually security is there as part of the insurance contract. So low bid.:banghead:

P.S. If they are armed it hurts the insurance rider. $$$$$$:what:
 
<Sheep>

Armed guards are scary. I'll go shop at the other mall with the nice unarmed guards.

</Sheep>
 
My work is funny. We have security and a little guard shack out front. After 9/11, they stepped up security a bit, or so they said. I didn't see any new guards. And they told us to deal with actually having to stop and let the guard check our badge at the gate. That's all nice and all, but what about the people witout badges who want to 'cause trouble! :neener:

No guns, no batons, no spray, no reason. A false sense there also.
 
I guess the issue is what we expect of private security -- to either just "look pretty" or actually be part of the safety plan?

I think I rather have PROPERLY trained, screened and paid private security pros whose job is to really "serve & protect" and have the proper equipment to do so!:rolleyes:

Thanks for your opinions.
 
I am a Security Officer for a University. We do carry OC Spray but that is it. We don't even have handcuffs! :eek: The University has it's own Police Department so basically that is why we are unarmed. However, when something happens at a campus location where SO's are posted, who do you think is the first responder? That's right, the unarmed security officer! I have been in several situations where I would have felt alot more comfortable armed. If we have to spray a BG, what do we do then (no cuffs, remember?) I guess we hope University PD gets there really fast! Hopefully, the dispatcher on duty will call a 10-3 (Officer in Trouble) This has happened once before, and the response was very quick. Matter of fact, a city Police Officer even responded. Regardless, I would still like to have handcuffs, and better yet be armed.
 
Security-Observe and Report.
Click to expand...

I have been a security officer for 10 years, so I am well aware of the duty being "Observe and Report" Sometimes, due to circumstances beyond our control, we find ourselves in situations where we are forced to take it to another level. Just speaking from past experience. :)
 
ah yes...

... ye olde theory of "style over substance". Was good for Cyberpunk, not-so-good for real life...

When I was working as a rent-a-cop, we had a furniture factory that I got to play at after hours. Was warned upon arriving one night that a recently fired employee was going to be coming by next day to pick up her belongings. I was to escort her, while making sure that a)she didn't steal anything and b)that her boyfriend stayed off-premisis (he had been most of the trouble). Next morning, a squad arrives just before she does: after she leaves (with no problem), one of the cops asks if I was worried. My response was to pull the can of OC out of my pocket and tell him "I REALLY wish we had CCW". He just nodded sagely...
 
UNARMED private security, I STILL don't get it!:banghead:

I think if we are to consider private security as part of our "homeland security" plan, we need to make private security an attractive job option for qualified folks -- i.e. good training -- good screening -- good equipment -- and good pay!

Like others have said, our safety shouldn't go to the "lowest bidder."

Just my 2 cents...
 
I think if we are to consider private security as part of our "homeland security" plan, we need to make private security an attractive job option for qualified folks -- i.e. good training -- good screening -- good equipment -- and good pay!
Click to expand...
People will have to be scared before that happens.

If terrorists start shooting up malls etc. you'll get you wish.:uhoh:
 
The security industry is stigmatized with a bad reputation because it's low pay, and they attract the wanna be's that can't get a job in law enforcment for various (good) reasons. There are fewer and fewer security companies that offer armed guard services anymore due to liablility insurance costs. Unarmed guards are cheaper to train and license as well. The main purpose of an unarmed guard is deterence and being a trained observer. They are eye candy to give a feeling of security. At one time this may have been effective. but now people just aren't impressed with a uniform anymore and would continue with thier illegal activity. And depending on ytour state, some guards don't even have arrest powers! Thats like having a bull without the b***s. Whats the point???

Having worked in the security industry in the past (armed and with arrest powers thank goodness) not all guards are bad people. Most take thier job seriously but just lack the power to be effective. Having said that, no flames please :D
 
I work in security with an armored car company. We're armed as are our the officers with competing companies. 90% of the employees couldn't care less about that gun on their hip and would present a clear danger to the populace at large if they ever had to draw their weapon in defense.

Mall/Plant Security is no different except that they are surrounded by greater numbers of people who could be hurt by a miss or pass-through shot. Do you really want that person armed when that person really doesn't care for shooting as a hobby?

Cops are no different. I've shot with dozens of them and have seen some of the worst shooting ever; and we're not talking about fancy gun games, just a paper target at 25yd. :eek:

As with all facets of armed professionals, military or civilian, there is a small percentage that likes to shoot and/or takes their being armed seriously and will practice on their own time and dime. Most are just there for a paycheck and shoot only when they are forced to requalify or lose their job.

If you want to be surrounded by a cadre of professionals, try to get on with a nuclear security detail. I'm told that it is extremely hard, but they take their shooting skills very seriously and they pay extremely well. Of course, getting on is nearly impossible.
 
I've been worried at work lately - stress levels are pretty high, since we _might_ have some layoffs coming... If one of these folks goes occupational, I don't think that our security folks could react well, since they aren't armed. If I hear loud noises, don't be between me and the door, because I don't jink too well when I'm moving at top speed...
 
[/command voice] Stop or I'll say stop again![/]

You want security in a retail outlet? Require your employess to be trained and armed!
 
Hmm, let me put put on my liberal sheeple wuss brainwave obfuscation device....Kerrthunk!
[lsw]
But if the security gaurds are allowed to carry weapons at the mall or an office building, then a terrorist could put on a cop disguise and also have access to weapons. I am willing to have unarmed security guards just to prevent that chance of an armed badguy getting into the mall.
[/lsw]

Woosh, man that's lameness.
 
Please remember that it is the client who chooses whether or not a security officer is armed. Most institutions do not want armed guards for liability reasons.
 
6 dollars an hour and you want me to use a firearm to engage baddies? Not for 6 dollars an hour. Observe and report. Some of the folks that are in some of these security firms are pretty scary.

Insurance is the reason guards are there and also why they have no means to defend themselves!
 
My response was to pull the can of OC out of my pocket and tell him "I REALLY wish we had CCW". He just nodded sagely...
Click to expand...

I'm waiting to receive my licenses for unarmed / armed security back from the state. I've got a great non-security-related job, but it's nice to have a ready back-up plan if things go south with the current job. Here in FL, if I'm on an unarmed post, I can't carry concealed even with my CCW. Big no-no.

vertigo7
 
I think it is time, in our post 9/11 world, that we reconsider what we want from private security.

If we want unarmed "greeters" and "wavers" in fancy unforms, so be it -- but don't hold yourself out as having "security" to the public.

On the other hand, if we want professionals who are on-duty to help prevent crime and possible acts of terrorism, let's make sure we do what is required to attract the best men and women possible into the career.

As stated before, that means proper screening -- proper training
-- proper equipment -- and proper pay!

Just my opinion...:D
 
It's a heck ofa risk-- Pinnin' on a badge and wearing a uniform without the (expected) accompanying firearm--:uhoh:
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

D
  • Locked
Arming Security Guards ???
Replies
9
Views
2K
Lone Star
L
N
  • Locked
Malls debate how to protect shoppers from violence
2 3 4
Replies
99
Views
5K
Phil DeGraves
P
S
  • Locked
If a Security Guard ask.
2 3 4 5 6
Replies
140
Views
7K
Al Thompson
A
D
  • Locked
Dangerous Job -- Security Guard !!!
2
Replies
47
Views
5K
gunsmith
G
D
  • Locked
"To Protect & Serve at $8 Per Hour" ???
2
Replies
33
Views
2K
rick newland
R
Back
Top