Can Security Guards Carry Guns In California? What You Need To Know

If you’ve ever wondered, “Can security guards carry guns in California?” - you’re not alone. It’s a very common question asked by both clients seeking security services and individuals pursuing a career in private security.

‍

To save you some time, the short answer is yes, security guards can carry firearms in California–but only under very specific conditions.

‍

In this article, we’ll break down what those conditions are, what licenses are required, and why it is important to understand these requrements when looking for a security service provider.

‍

‍

The Legal Framework for Armed Security in California

‍

In California, security guards fall under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), a division of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. BSIS sets strict requirements for who can carry a firearm while on duty.

‍

To legally carry a gun, a security guard must:

‍

1. Hold a valid Guard Card – This is the basic registration every security guard in California must have.
   
   
2. Possess a Firearms Permit issued by BSIS – This permit allows the individual to legally carry a gun while performing their duties on the job.
   
   
3. Be employed by a licensed Private Patrol Operator (PPO) – Security guards cannot be a freelance security guard with a firearm; they must be employed by a licensed agency recognized by BSIS.
   
   

So, can security guards carry guns in California? Yes—but only if all of the above conditions are met.

‍

‍

How to Obtain a Firearms Permit as a Security Guard

‍

Becoming an armed security guard in California involves multiple steps. We wrote an in-depth  guide on How To Become An Armed Security Guard that goes into detail on how exactly to go about doing so. But here’s a general overview of the process:

‍

1. Complete the Guard Card training (8 hours minimum). This includes powers of arrest and weapons of mass destruction training.
   
   
2. Enroll in a BSIS-approved firearms training course.This 14-hour course includes both classroom instruction and live-fire range training.
   
   
3. Pass a written and range exam. Trainees must demonstrate proficiency with the firearm they will carry.
   
   
4. Submit a background check and fingerprints (Live Scan). BSIS conducts a thorough criminal background check before issuing a firearms permit.
   
   
5. Receive your BSIS Firearms Permit. Once approved, the security guard is allowed to carry a firearm—but only while on duty and in uniform.
   
   

It’s important to note that this permit must be renewed annually, with ongoing firearm re-qualification required.

‍

‍

When and Where Armed Security Guards Can Carry Guns

‍

Even with a valid firearms permit, California law places strict limits on when and where a security guard can be armed:

‍

• On duty only: Security guards are not allowed to carry firearms when they are off duty unless they have a separate concealed carry permit.
  
  
• In uniform: Guards must be in clearly marked security uniforms when carrying a firearm.
  
  
• At authorized locations: Guards may only carry a weapon at the job site specified by their employer, and only if their employer has authorized the use of armed personnel.
  
  

Violating these regulations can lead to serious consequences, including the revocation of the firearms permit and Guard Card, fines, or even criminal charges.

‍

‍

Why Clients Choose Licensed Armed Security

‍

There are many reasons businesses and individuals choose armed security services in California:

‍

• Deterrence: The visible presence of an armed guard can deter criminal activity before it starts. Naturally, armed guards do a more effective job at deterring criminal activity than a standard unarmed guard, depending on the situation and location.
  
  
• Rapid response: Armed guards are trained to respond to high-risk situations quickly, professionally, and responsibly.
  
  
• Peace of mind: For high-value assets or at-risk environments, armed security provides an extra layer of protection and sense of security for your assets or home.
  
  

At Members In Black Private Security, we typically do not provide armed guard service to clients. But given our presence in the private security industry, we feel obligated to provide the correct information to provide others so they can do their own due diligence when researching security services for their own businesses or homes.

‍

When researching potential security companies for your armed guard needs, it's important to understand the legal requirements they must abide by before hiring them. That way you can be rest assured you are working with professionals you can trust with your safety.

‍

‍

Final Thoughts: Can Security Guards Carry Guns in California?

‍

To recap, yes, security guards can carry guns in California—but only if they’ve completed BSIS training, passed background checks, and received a valid firearms permit.

‍

The process is very strict for a reason: to ensure that only qualified, responsible professionals are entrusted with the responsibility of wielding firearms around the public.