…a gun is a heavy hammer that cannot be applied to every self-defense situation. As the old saying goes, “if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.”

In the state of California, it’s essential for security guards to understand their role and responsibilities thoroughly. One crucial aspect is knowing why making arrests should be avoided in most cases. This article will explore the reasons why California security guards should steer clear of making arrests and instead focus on non-arrest approaches to maintain safety effectively.

“What does that mean for me and how can I make more money as a security guard?”  The answer is simple and has three parts: experience, training and focus.  Let’s take them one at a time.

Addressing both public perceptions and the hard reality of either mass shooting or active shooter threats requires security officers to undergo specialized training that goes beyond traditional security measures.

“Certainly, there is a “guard” component of executive protection.  Still, that is a very small part of the overall job.  An executive protection team is primarily focused on preventing threats rather than dealing with threats once they materialize.  With that in mind, keeping your client’s personal information secure is of paramount importance.”

The best home defense gun is going to be different for each one of us. As an approach to finding the answer that is best for you, I suggest starting with all options on the table and then using a process of elimination based upon your specific needs, your physical ability, and what type of gun you might actually like to take to the range.

You MAY NOT shoot at a fleeing suspect unless that individual is presenting an immediate threat of death or great bodily harm as he flees.  In plain English, if he’s not trying to kill you or somebody else, you cannot use deadly force to stop him from getting away. 

While the average American citizen might make the assumption that CPR and first aid basics are only required in emergency services positions, the truth is that understanding these techniques are extremely important in any line of work.

The mode of carry is going to be a comfort issue if you hike any distance. I have hunted for many years and had many friends carry side-arms in holsters that work fine while sitting in the car, at the desk or walking around the mall.  However, they have been extremely unhappy and uncomfortable after getting four or five miles back into rough country in the heat, cold or whatever.

“What does that mean for me and how can I make more money as a security guard?”  The answer is simple and has three parts: experience, training and focus.  Let’s take them one at a time.

On the morning of April 4, 2011, a Chula Vista Mall Security Guard stationed in the Apple Store at the Otay Ranch Towne Center mall in Chula Vista California, was forced to shoot one of three armed burglary suspects as they broke into the business. That afternoon, NBC 7/39 interviewed Practical Defense Systems Co-founder, regarding Security Officer training.

California State Senator Joel Anderson, on April 13, 2011, presented Practical Defense Systems with a California Senator Certificate recognizing the “Outstanding training… and excellent public-safety and self-defense courses…” provided by PDS to residents of San Diego’s East County.

In my view, TASER ECDs, particularly the C2, are a wonderful “less lethal” option for security officers.  Unlike police officers, security guards, as a general rule, are not required to subdue subjects or make arrests.  Still, security guards are sometimes placed in harm’s way, by the very nature of their duties.

By putting more licenses in your pocket, you increase the chances that you will put more money in your pocket as well. Don’t be caught unprepared when opportunity knocks.

Before I explain how to get a guard card, I should take a moment to explain what a guard card is and why you need one in order to work as a security guard in California.

In California, security guards are licensed by a state government agency called the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS for short).

My father, a long time Deputy Sheriff and lifelong shooter, had a somewhat different opinion.  He was a large and jovial, but soft spoken man who tended to look at firearms from a more pragmatic point of view.  He felt strongly that people cannot defend themselves adequately with firearms that they never shoot.

Security Guard Training: Get your Guard Card and much more and Save MONEY! Guard Card (only $45); Exposed Firearm Permit; Chemical Agent – OC/Pepper Spray; Baton; Handcuffing; Defensive Tactics; CPR and more. You won’t find better security officer training at better prices anywhere.

Firearms training for sport, self-defense, security officers & law enforcement. PDS offers beginning through advance shooting courses for security officers, law enforcement and civilians. Training is available for handguns (Revolvers and Autoloaders), shotguns (for defense and hunting) and rifles/carbines (AR 15, M4, SCAR, M14, Mini 14, Mini 30, AK 47, etc), including low light courses.

Carry a gun for self defense in over 30 states. Get your concealed carry permit from Utah, Arizona or Florida and carry your handgun when you travel. Get your California CCW permit to carry a gun in California. PDS offers the courses required to obtain a CCW permit from California, Utah, Florida and Arizona.

Learn American Heart Association Basic First Aid, CPR and how to use an AED. PDS offers the American Heart Association family of courses in CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) for adults, children and infants and the use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), as well as Basic First Aid and BLS for Health Care Providers.