Tag: firearm

Legal & Law

How to Become a Licensed Security Guard in Glendale, Colorado

Mark Schneider

If you’re interested in becoming a licensed security guard or armed guard in Glendale, Colorado, there are several key requirements and steps to follow. This guide will break down the process into easy-to-understand summaries and checkpoints.

1. Definitions You Need to Know

Before diving into the requirements, it’s essential to understand some key terms used in Glendale’s security guard regulations:

  • Applicant: The person applying for a merchant guard or armed guard license in Glendale.
  • Armed Guard: A security guard carrying a weapon while performing duties in Glendale.
  • Merchant Guard: A person or organization providing security services to protect people or property, not employed directly by the business they’re guarding.
  • Chief of Police: Refers to the Chief of Police of Glendale, responsible for overseeing the licensing process.

2. Who Needs a License?

In Glendale, it’s illegal to work as a merchant or armed guard without the proper license. Here are some key points:

  • Companies must obtain a license to operate within Glendale.
  • Individuals working as merchant or armed guards must also obtain a personal license.
  • Industrial guards do not need a license unless they are armed.
  • Police officers of the Glendale Police Department are exempt from these requirements.

3. Special Requirements for Armed Guards

If you plan to work as an armed guard, additional steps are necessary:

  • Firearms Training: Armed guards must complete annual firearms training, including topics like use of force, de-escalation, and firearms safety.
  • Qualification: Armed guards must qualify with their weapon on an approved course of fire and provide proof to the Glendale Police Department.
  • License Renewal: Armed guards must renew their licenses annually, including submitting a background check and various forms, like the “Firearm Training Certification” and “Medical and Character Acknowledgment.”

4. Carrying a Firearm as a Security Guard

If you want to carry a firearm as part of your duties, the following conditions apply:

  • Approval by Chief of Police: You must provide proof that you meet Glendale’s firearm qualification standards, and the firearm must be registered with the Chief of Police.
  • On-Duty Only: You are only allowed to carry the weapon while on duty, in uniform, and in an open manner (concealed carry is not permitted).
  • Employer’s Request: Your employer must submit a written request outlining why you need to carry a weapon.

5. How to Apply for a Security Guard License

To apply for a merchant or armed guard license in Glendale, follow these steps:

For armed guard companies:

  • Provide a detailed description of the business, the services offered, and the number of employees.

For individual guards:

  • Provide employment details, such as the name and address of your employer.
  • Submit a background check, including FBI history, and proof of employment with a licensed guard company.
  • Provide documentation like your firearms training certificate and other necessary forms.

6. Investigation and Approval

Once your application is submitted, the Glendale Police Department will investigate your background and character to ensure you meet the necessary requirements. If approved, you will be issued a license; if denied, you will be notified of the reason.

7. Fees and License Term

  • License Fees: Fees are set by the Glendale City Council and must be paid upon application.
  • License Validity: Licenses are valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually.

8. Uniforms, Badges, and Vehicles

Security guard uniforms, badges, and vehicles must not resemble those of the Glendale Police Department. This includes restrictions on the use of police-like markings, colors, or insignia on uniforms or vehicles.

9. Unlawful Acts and Penalties

There are specific actions that can lead to suspension or revocation of your license:

  • Interfering with Police Investigations
  • Failure to Report Firearm Discharges
  • Falsely Representing Yourself as a Police Officer

Violating any provisions of this chapter can result in a misdemeanor charge, with penalties for each day of the violation.

10. Appealing a License Denial or Revocation

If your license is denied or revoked, you have the right to appeal the decision. To do this, submit a written statement within 14 days to the Glendale City Council, who will hold a hearing to review the case.

Checkpoints for Becoming a Licensed Security Guard in Glendale:

  1. Apply for a License: Both companies and individuals must apply for a license through the Glendale Police Department.
  2. Complete Firearms Training: If you’re an armed guard, annual firearms training is required.
  3. Submit Background Checks and Forms: FBI history, character acknowledgments, and more must be included in the application.
  4. Meet Uniform and Vehicle Requirements: Ensure your gear doesn’t resemble law enforcement.
  5. Renew Your License Annually: Both individuals and companies need to renew their licenses each year.
  6. Follow the Rules: Avoid actions that could lead to penalties or license suspension.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a licensed security guard in Glendale, Colorado. For more details on application forms or specific requirements, contact the Glendale Police Department or refer to Glendale’s municipal code.

How to Contact the Glendale Police Department

If you need to contact the Glendale Police Department for assistance for Security Guard Licensing Questions, here is the key contact information:

Physical Address:

  • Location:
    950 S. Birch St.
    Glendale, CO 80246
    View Map

Phone and Fax:

  • Phone (Non-Emergency): 303-759-1511
  • Fax: 303-757-3264

Staff Contacts:

  • Police Department (Non-Emergency): 303-759-1511

Get Certified: Firearms Training for Glendale Security Guard Licensing

If you’re applying for a security guard license in Glendale and need firearms training, we’ve got you covered! Our training program meets all of Glendale’s requirements, including firearms qualification, use of force laws, de-escalation techniques, and firearm safety. To get started and ensure you’re prepared to meet the city’s standards, contact Mark Schneider at cccdinstructor@gmail.com or call 303-641-1567 today!

Legal & Law

Can You Legally Set Up “Booby Traps” in Colorado?

Mark Schneider

Can you legally set a booby trap to protect your home or property in Colorado? This is a common question—especially among homeowners concerned about crime or trespassing. The short and clear answer is no. Setting a harmful booby trap, especially one involving firearms or explosives, is illegal in Colorado and could lead to serious criminal charges, including second-degree murder.

Let’s break down what’s legal, what’s not, and what the law says.

What Is a Booby Trap?

A booby trap is any mechanical or electrical device set up to injure, kill, or disable a person who triggers it unknowingly. Traps that involve loaded firearms, explosives, or sharpened objects fall into this category.

Colorado law strictly prohibits these types of devices—even on your own property.

Illegal Booby Trap Example

Let’s say a homeowner rigs a loaded shotgun to the door of their shed, intending it to fire if someone tries to break in. If someone—whether a burglar or a firefighter—opens the door and is shot, the homeowner could be charged with assault, manslaughter, or second-degree murder depending on the outcome.

Under Colorado law, this type of device is clearly illegal.

While harmful traps are off-limits, non-lethal security measures are completely legal. For example:

  • Alarm systems
  • Motion-activated floodlights
  • Cameras and surveillance systems
  • Noise-making deterrents
  • Signage (e.g., “24/7 Video Monitoring” or “Alarm Will Sound”)

These measures are legal and encouraged, as they help deter crime without causing bodily harm.

A homeowner installs a motion sensor that turns on floodlights and sounds an alarm when someone walks near their garage. The system alerts the homeowner and may scare off an intruder—but it does not physically harm anyone.

This is 100% legal in Colorado and a smart way to boost security.

The Law: CRS § 18-12-106 – Prohibited Use of Weapons

Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-106 clearly prohibit setting up deadly or injurious traps. Specifically:

  • Subsection (1)(c): It is a Class 1 misdemeanor to “knowingly set a loaded gun, trap, or device designed to cause an explosion upon being tripped or approached.”

Additional prohibited actions under this statute include:

  • Aiming a firearm at another person without legal justification (subsection 1(a))
  • Recklessly discharging a firearm (subsection 1(b))
  • Possessing a firearm while intoxicated (subsection 1(d))

There are also rules regarding exotic weapons like throwing stars and nunchaku under subsection (2).

Final Thoughts

Booby traps that can harm or kill are illegal in Colorado—even if they’re meant to protect your home. If you set up a harmful trap and someone is injured or killed, you could face criminal charges and civil liability.

Stick with legal, non-lethal security tools like alarms, cameras, and lights. These offer protection without violating Colorado law.

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Colorado Concealed Carry Classes – Get Trained Legally and Responsibly

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws may change, and individual circumstances vary, so consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. The information provided is based on Colorado law at the time of writing and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel.

Legal & Law

Is It Legal to Openly Carry a Firearm in the City of Boulder, Colorado?

Mark Schneider

Updated: 6/2/25 at 21:43 MT

Short answer: No. Openly carrying a firearm in public is prohibited in the City of Boulder, with limited exceptions. Under Boulder Municipal Code § 5-8-21, the open carry of firearms is restricted in most public places—even for lawful gun owners. However, the law raises serious questions about constitutionality and may be subject to future legal challenges.

Let’s break down what the law says, what exceptions exist, and how it interacts with state and federal rights.

📜 Boulder Municipal Code § 5-8-21: The Law

“No person shall knowingly openly carry a firearm on or about their person in a public place.”
(Boulder Muni Code § 5-8-21(a))

This law is part of Boulder’s broader effort to implement stricter local gun regulations following the repeal of Colorado’s firearm preemption law in 2021 (SB21-256). It prohibits visible carry of firearms in all public places unless a specific exception applies.

✅ Exceptions to Boulder’s Open Carry Ban

The following individuals or situations are exempt from the ban on open carry:

  1. Law Enforcement & Military
    • On-duty federal, state, or local officers, or military personnel.
  2. Hunting or Target Shooting
    • While actively engaged in lawful hunting or shooting activities.
  3. Private Property
    • On your own land, business, or home—or with the property owner’s consent.
  4. Private Motor Vehicles
    • Transporting firearms in your car is legal under C.R.S. § 18-12-105.6, as long as state law is followed.
  5. Unloaded Firearms in Cases
    • Must be in a clearly marked, locked, or opaque gun case. Holsters are acceptable for handguns.
  6. Concealed Carry with Permit
    • Individuals with valid concealed handgun permits (CHP) may legally carry a concealed handgun; this is not considered open carry.
  7. Private Security Guards
    • When acting in the scope of their official duties.

🔄 Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry in Boulder

It’s critical to understand the distinction:

  • Open carry is largely banned in public spaces.
  • Concealed carry is permitted for those with a valid Colorado CHP.

If you intend to carry in Boulder, obtaining a concealed handgun permit is the safest and most legally secure option.

⚖️ Constitutional Concerns

While Boulder’s ordinance is valid under state law (because of SB21-256), it may still conflict with the Second Amendment and Colorado Constitution Article II, Section 13—both of which protect the right to bear arms for self-defense.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in NYSRPA v. Bruen (2022) reaffirmed that citizens have the right to carry firearms in public for self-defense. Though Bruen focused more on concealed carry restrictions, it emphasized that firearm regulations must be historically grounded and not arbitrary.

Boulder’s blanket ban on open carry in public places could be vulnerable if challenged in federal court, especially if it’s found to lack historical precedent.

👮 Enforcement and Penalties

Violating Boulder’s open carry law is a non-criminal offense, meaning:

  • You won’t face jail time.
  • You may be fined or cited.
  • Repeat violations could lead to escalating consequences.

While the law is currently enforced, its constitutional validity is still an open question, especially in the wake of recent court rulings protecting gun rights.

✅ Bottom Line for Gun Owners in Boulder

If you’re a gun owner living in or visiting Boulder:

  • Open carry is prohibited in public spaces under local law.
  • You may still carry concealed if you have a valid Colorado CHP.
  • Private property, hunting, and transport exceptions remain protected.
  • Legal challenges to Boulder’s ban are possible, especially if it’s applied broadly or arbitrarily.

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Legal Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Laws and regulations regarding firearms are subject to change, and their interpretation can vary. Always consult with a licensed attorney or legal expert for advice on specific legal matters or before taking any action based on the content of this article. Compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws is the responsibility of the firearm owner.