Armed Security And Liability?

[Guest stovepipe]

What's the process of hiring an armed security guard? Do you just find someone with their Armed Guard Certification, and good references, and pay them directly, or do you have to go through a security company? Who shoulders the liability if someone gets hurt?

(Added question) Also, what is the difference in liability for, like I've seen at the "We Buy Gold" places, where the employees go armed? - I've seen these guy's unholster when they go outside their (strip mall) shop to smoke, so apparently they do not have a permit... (Dunno if they have their armed security certifications)

Edited April 15, 2010 by stovepipe

[E4 No More]

Guarding what?

[Guest stovepipe]

It's a hypothetical question, but let's say a pawn shop... Would the liability change depending on the circumstance?

[E4 No More]

Although I'm not a lawyer, nor have I ever hired security before, I have worked security in both low and high risk areas as well as been a police officer who worked off-duty security. Also keep in mind that this is dated information from the 80's and mid 90's.

From what I have observed over the years, businesses hire security for insurance purposes only, and the guards are there to observe and report as a deterence only. Armed guards increase liability which is why many security companies do not offer armed guards, but if they do that cost is billed to the client.

If I were going to hire a guard I'd go with an established security company or hire off-duty LEOs keeping in mind that LEOs sometimes forget that they are working security rather than law-enforcement.

[mikegideon]

Although I'm not a lawyer, nor have I ever hired security before, I have worked security in both low and high risk areas as well as been a police officer who worked off-duty security. Also keep in mind that this is dated information from the 80's and mid 90's.

From what I have observed over the years, businesses hire security for insurance purposes only, and the guards are there to observe and report as a deterence only. Armed guards increase liability which is why many security companies do not offer armed guards, but if they do that cost is billed to the client.

If I were going to hire a guard I'd go with an established security company or hire off-duty LEOs keeping in mind that LEOs sometimes forget that they are working security rather than law-enforcement.

I used to hire off duty Nashville Metro guys all the time to guard our building on Music Row. I think they stopped letting them do it.

BTW... I wanted them to forget in my case.

[Guest Mad4rcn]

Legally in TN you will have to go through a company,most security officers do not hold the proper state certifications and broad knowledge in laws concerning the bussiness end of the job,which is a requirement in TN.You'd be surprised how many "companies" do not have a state license to operate as a security company,as stated above do some homework and check for a license,then check the security officers license when they show up for work.All that can be checked at TN.gov under licenses,just put the name in and all the information you'll need will be there.