Armed Guards

Lethal Weapons Training Essential to Professional Protection

Always needed throughout time

Secure environments are essential to the smooth operations of schools, businesses and other institutions.  And since there are many ways to create secure environments, it is worth understanding a few security applications. As it relates to people providing protection for others there are centuries of experience from which to draw.  Some form of human protector has always been around and despite the advances in technology, the tried and true security officer remains a staple.  Knowing a little bit about guards can help create an advantage when seeking security options.  

Image from: http://www.vroma.org

Levels of protection to choose from

It is understood that part of a guard’s role is to act as a visible deterrent.  And depending upon the perceived vulnerability and the value of what is to be protected, the correct level of guard sophistication should be applied.  Some situations need a guard just to be a physical presence who can monitor the comings and goings of people and control access.  Add a uniform to that guard and a projection of authority enhances the deterring effect.  When you add a gun to a uniformed guard you are now projecting force.   If the guard is to be armed, the stakes are higher as the asset to be protected is deemed valuable. That should mean the abilities of your guard force will match the relative value of the asset.  

A higher standard is required

In 1974 the state of Pennsylvania passed a law called 

The Lethal Weapons Training Act” or “Act 235”.  This law “[Provides] for the training and licensing of watch guards, protective patrolmen, detective and criminal investigators, carrying and using lethal weapon in their employment…”  It was enacted after tragic incidents continued to occur in this industry due to insufficient education and training about lethal weapons.  

As a Certified Lethal Weapons Training School, Armor Security Training Institute has trained over 12,000 individuals in this 40 hour course since 1983.  The training exposes the student to applicable laws, firearm instruction and live fire training.  

Training raises the bar and weeds out the inept

As a supplier of armed guards, this training has enhanced the professionalism, accountability and competence of our security officers.  It also reinforces the high standards of personal character and ability required to be an armed protector.  This is an advantage for business owners and institutional operators who require armed protection of their most valuable assets.  

Do you need this level of protection? 

Here are a few items to consider when you are thinking about enhancing your security with an armed guard:

1. Consult with an expert.  You may perceive threats but you cannot articulate them.  Armed guards are not always the best choice.  
2. Consider what could happen when protecting assets with deadly force and understand potential legal consequences.  Human life may be at stake.  
3. Knowing how to use a gun is one thing.   It is another thing to project competence and confidence.  Make sure the armed guard can do both.  
4. A gun is a tool that requires special training and repetitive use to become proficient.  Make sure your guard continues to hone his craft. 
5. Make sure your guard has any training that is required by law.   
6. Make sure your contractor provides oversight and ongoing training of your armed guard.