In my line of work, I have the chance to interact with many folks in Law Enforcement and the military. I also get the chance to watch folks from the world of Private Contract Security. In the last few weeks, I have seen a few folks that were testing to qualify for licenses as Armed Private Security Officers in Utah.
Some of them see it as an interim path to getting into Law Enforcement. Some of them see it as a job that pays a little better than work as an Unarmed Private Security Officer. Some of them take it very seriously. Some of them dont.
When you put on a uniform that in way resembles that of a LEO, you become a potential target. If you are responsible to provide security in a location where something could happen, you will be the first one targeted if something really does happen. Do you wear body armor? Even if not armed, you should. If you dont know anything about body armor, take a look at http://www.jeepgunner.com/bodarmor.htm
If you are going to be armed, its most likely because the possibility of something happening has crossed someones mind. Most security companies dont want armed employees. If they have them, its because at least some of their customers have encountered something that leads them to want an armed presence. Knowing this, you need to be fully prepared – including body armor and AN APPROPRIATE FIREARM, AMMUNITION, and TRAINING.
I overheard the following in the last two weeks in a local gun store after a training session for Armed Private Security Officers
Where are your duty holsters for Hi Point 9mm guns?
Whats the cheapest hollow point ammo you sell? I got three magazines I need to fill for work.
First, NO ONE MAKES DUTY HOLSTERS FOR HI POINT FIREARMS. I have been reviewing and writing about duty gear for a long time. No one – Safariland, Bianchi, Gould & Goodrich, Galco, not even Uncle Mikes – makes duty holsters for cheap, inexpensive firearms like Hi Point because they are not suited to situations where you may have to depend on them to fight for your life.
There is a reason why you see LEOs carrying – and their departments certifying – Glock, Sig, Beretta, Smith & Wesson, Springfield, FN Herstal, and the ubiquitous 1911. THEY ARE GOOD, RELIABLE FIREARMS THAT ARE PROVEN TO BE GOOD ENOUGH TO DEPEND ON THEM. You will never find a LEO carrying a Hi Point.
If you cant afford such a firearm and your company wont supply one, do yourself a favor. Dont work armed until you can. You are putting yourself and anyone you may have a duty to protect in danger using a non-suitable firearm.
Second, YOU DO NOT WANT TO RELY ON THE CHEAPEST HOLLOW POINT AMMUNITION TO FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE. There is a reason that LEOs carry – and their departments certify – Cor Bon, Federal Hydra-Shok, Winchester Ranger SXT, Hornady TAP, and even Golden Sabre. Its because they have been proven in the field and tested in ballistic gelatin to expand properly and reliably and help to end the fight. You wont find your local LEOs carrying Winchester white box or Remington basic hollow points.
They do cost more, but what is your own life worth? What are the lives of those you have a duty to protect worth?
To be fair, I dont want to lay all of the blame here on the security officer trainees – although if they took their work seriously they would already have known this.
The security companies themselves should refuse to allow anyone to work armed that has unsuitable firearm. I know that an Armed Private Security Officer carrying a Hi Point would make me question their ability, and the judgment of the company that put them on duty. I worry for the folks that arent as aware, but will simply see a person in a uniform and carrying a gun and will feel safe. If they only knew.
One suggestion I can make is for anyone considering such work but unable to afford a quality firearm join the Glock Sport Shooting Foundation. You can find an application here http://www.gssfonline.com/pdf/forms/Join_renew.pdf
It costs $35 for one year. Aside from being able to participate in competitions that will help improve your shooting abilities and learning good skills, you will be able to purchase a Glock firearm at a discounted price. From the GSSF Website
The GSSF Pistol Purchase Program is another benefit of your GSSF membership. If you are a current, new or renewing GSSF member, you are eligible to purchase a GLOCK pistol at discounted pricing once per year.
Impact Guns (www.impactguns.com) participates in this program in the Salt Lake and Ogden, UT stores. Its a great way to help you to purchase a firearm that you can rely on.
Armed Private Security isn’t necessarily a bad way to earn a living. But remember – you (to some extent) look like a police officer. If someone decides to do something bad, you will be obvious target #1. Don’t put yourself at a disadvantage. Be smart about it.