Tag: guard

Gear and Equipment

Essential Tips for Armed Security Guards

Mark Schneider

Working as an armed security guard is more than just standing post—it’s about being proactive, prepared, and professional at all times. Whether you’re new to the job or have years of experience, these five essential tips will help you stay sharp, perform at your best, and, most importantly, make it home safely at the end of your shift.

1. Situational Awareness is Your First Line of Defense

One of the most important skills any security professional can develop is situational awareness. This means constantly scanning your environment, noting anything unusual, and anticipating potential threats before they become real problems. Pay attention to body language—nervousness, excessive movement, or concealed hands can be indicators of trouble. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, take it seriously and be ready to act accordingly.

Stay off your cell phone unless absolutely necessary. Distracted guards are ineffective guards, and looking at your phone takes your focus away from potential threats.

Pro tip: Avoid tunnel vision. It’s easy to get too focused on one thing, like a suspicious person or a security camera feed, and miss other developing situations around you. Keep your head on a swivel and stay engaged with your surroundings.

2. Know Your Use of Force Policy Like the Back of Your Hand

Understanding when and how to use force is not just a legal obligation—it’s a responsibility that could mean the difference between life and death. Every company and jurisdiction has different policies, but the general principle is the same: Use the least amount of force necessary to control a situation. Deadly force should always be a last resort.

Stay up to date on training, know your state’s self-defense laws, and understand concepts like proportionality and the escalation of force. If your company offers scenario-based training, take full advantage of it. Making the right decision under pressure starts with preparation.

3. Understand Company Policies and Post Orders

Every security company operates differently, and each site has its own set of rules. Your post orders outline exactly what’s expected of you, from reporting procedures to emergency protocols. Failing to follow these guidelines can result in disciplinary action—or worse, legal liability.

Make sure you thoroughly read and understand your company’s policies, standard operating procedures, and site-specific post orders. If something is unclear, ask for clarification from a supervisor. Knowing your responsibilities in detail ensures that you stay compliant and perform your duties effectively.

4. Stay Physically and Mentally Ready for Anything

Security work isn’t just about looking tough—it requires real endurance, strength, and mental resilience. Long shifts, standing for hours, and responding to high-stress situations can take a toll on your body and mind.

Regular exercise helps improve stamina and reaction time. Focus on a mix of strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises to keep your body in top shape. Equally important is mental toughness—practice staying calm under pressure, work on breathing techniques, and develop a mindset of confidence without arrogance.

Pro tip: Poor physical condition can lead to slower response times and fatigue, making you a liability instead of an asset. Treat your body like another piece of your security equipment—keep it in working order.

5. Take Care of Your Gear—It Takes Care of You

Your gear is an extension of yourself, and if something fails at the wrong time, it could cost you dearly. That means regular maintenance and inspections should be a non-negotiable part of your routine.

  • Firearm: Clean and inspect it regularly. Do a chamber check and magazine check before each shift.
  • Vest: Check for wear and tear, ensure armor panels are correctly placed, and make sure it’s clean with clear identifiers such as a name tag, badge, and security patches.
  • Check your handcuffs: Make sure they are not double locked and are pre-set.
  • Flashlight: Make sure it’s charged, and always have spare batteries or a backup light.
  • Taser: Perform a test spark before each shift to ensure functionality.
  • OC Spray: Shake it regularly to maintain effectiveness and check the expiration date.
  • Duty Belt: Use belt keepers to secure it properly and prevent shifting during movement.
  • Radio: Keep it charged and test it at the beginning of each shift.

Never assume your gear is good to go—verify it. A malfunctioning radio, expired OC spray, or a loose retention holster strap can turn a simple situation into a nightmare.

6. Master the Art of De-Escalation and Verbal Judo

The ability to defuse tense situations without using force is one of the most valuable skills an armed security guard can develop. This is where verbal judo—a set of tactical communication strategies—comes into play. The five truths of verbal judo can help you maintain control while keeping interactions professional:

  1. People want to be respected. Disrespect often leads to resistance, while respect can open doors for cooperation.
  2. People want to be asked, not told. Giving someone the choice to comply instead of issuing direct orders reduces hostility and increases voluntary compliance.
  3. People want to be given options. Providing alternatives rather than ultimatums allows individuals to save face and feel in control of their decisions.
  4. People want a second chance. Offering an opportunity to correct behavior can prevent unnecessary conflict and escalation.
  5. People want to be heard. Acknowledging someone’s frustrations and allowing them to speak can often de-escalate a situation before it turns physical.

When communicating with the public, remain calm, controlled, and professional. Avoid aggressive language or tone. Instead, use tactical empathy—acknowledge the person’s frustration while steering the conversation toward compliance. Remember, your words can either escalate or defuse a situation—choose them wisely.

Pro tip: If you struggle with verbal de-escalation, practice role-playing scenarios with colleagues. Learning how to redirect aggression with words can prevent unnecessary physical confrontations.

These six tips are just the foundation of what it takes to be an effective armed security professional. The job requires constant learning and adaptability, but with the right mindset, training, and habits, you can excel in your role and keep yourself and others safe.

Stay sharp, stay ready, and always be professional.

Legal & Law, News

Colorado’s Magazine Capacity Law and Its Impact on Security Guards

Mark Schneider

Introduction:

On July 1, 2013, Colorado enacted a magazine capacity law limiting the rounds a magazine can legally hold to 15. This law prohibits buying or transferring any magazines with a capacity over 15 rounds. Understanding this regulation is crucial for armed security guards, who must balance the need to be prepared for potentially high-risk situations with the necessity of adhering to state law.

1. What the Magazine Capacity Law Says

Under Colorado Revised Statute 18-12-302, large-capacity magazines are prohibited, with certain exemptions:

  • CRS 18-12-302: “Except as otherwise provided in this section, on and after July 1, 2013, a person who sells, transfers, or possesses a large-capacity magazine commits a class 2 misdemeanor.”

The only exemptions under the law are for law enforcement, military personnel, or individuals who owned high-capacity magazines before July 1, 2013 (grandfathered magazines). Security guards, however, are not exempt from this regulation, which directly impacts the options available to them on the job.

2. How This Law Impacts Armed Security Guards

The magazine capacity law creates practical challenges for security guards who need to be equipped to handle various threats. Many standard firearms, especially 9mm handguns, typically have a magazine capacity above 15 rounds. This restriction forces security guards to make choices that could impact their effectiveness:

  • Firearm Selection: Security guards may have to choose firearms that offer 15-round magazines or smaller, which could limit their choices and potentially place them at a disadvantage in a defensive scenario.
  • Limitations Against Criminals: Criminals often disregard magazine capacity laws, and illegal magazines with capacities exceeding 20, 25, or even 30 rounds are common. In a gunfight, a guard limited to a 15-round magazine could be at a disadvantage if faced with an opponent carrying higher-capacity magazines.
  • Reloading Requirements: Guards carrying 10 or 15-round magazines may need to reload more frequently during incidents. Carrying additional magazines is often necessary, which increases the load-out and complexity for security personnel.

3. Compliance Tips for Security Guards

Despite these limitations, there are ways security guards can maintain compliance with Colorado law while still preparing for duty effectively:

  • Choose Compliant Magazines: Opt for 10 or 15-round magazines for popular models like the Glock 19 or 22, ensuring that they meet the legal requirements.
  • Consider Magazine Blocks: Magazine blocks can convert higher-capacity magazines to comply with the law. However, it’s worth noting that the law doesn’t explicitly permit or prohibit this modification, though most law enforcement agencies accept it as compliant.
  • Purchase Factory 10 or 15 Round Magazines: A possible option is when a manufacture offers Colorado state compliant magazines. As an example, Glock offers 15 round magazines that will fit the Glock 17 or 45. Those handguns typically come with 17 round standard magazines.
  • Carry Extra Magazines: To offset the capacity limit, carry additional magazines. This could be an additional fourth or fifth(Standard load is three). Although reloading may be necessary, carrying extra magazines can improve preparedness and help mitigate some of the limitations imposed by the law.

4. Training to Overcome Capacity Limitations

With limited magazine capacity, training becomes even more crucial. Guards should practice tactical reloads and efficient magazine swaps to ensure readiness:

  • Emergency Reloading: Practice reloading under stress through both dry practice and live fire on the range. Training for fast reloads with cover can be invaluable in real-life scenarios.
  • Situational Awareness: Developing strong situational awareness can allow guards to assess threats and position themselves optimally, compensating for the reduced magazine capacity.

5. Legal and Civil Liability for Non-Compliance

For security guards, compliance with the magazine capacity law is critical not only for staying within the law but also for avoiding legal and civil liability. Violating the magazine capacity law could result in significant consequences:

  • License Risks: In cities like Denver and Colorado Springs, security guards must be especially diligent. Denver, for instance, explicitly requires all guards to adhere to state and local laws, including the 15-round magazine limit. A guard found in violation risks losing their security guard license, affecting their livelihood and career.
  • Civil and Criminal Liability: Carrying a non-compliant magazine could also expose a guard to civil or criminal penalties. If a security guard is involved in a defensive shooting while carrying a high-capacity magazine, they could face both civil lawsuits and criminal charges, which could impact both their freedom and financial stability.

Remaining compliant not only protects a guard’s career but also reduces the chance of severe legal repercussions in a defensive incident.

6. Perspectives on the Law’s Effectiveness and Limitations

Since its enactment, Colorado’s magazine capacity law has shown little evidence of reducing crime. In fact, crime rates have reportedly increased since 2013. According to Rally for Our Rights and data from the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice, crime rates have risen despite multiple gun control laws passed within the state. This raises questions about the effectiveness of such laws in improving public safety. Many armed citizens and security professionals argue that this law restricts their ability to defend themselves and others effectively.

7. Legal Considerations for Security Companies

For security companies, understanding and adhering to magazine capacity laws is crucial:

  • Company Policies: Companies should establish policies that ensure compliance with state laws to avoid potential liability issues.
  • Training on Compliance: Guards should receive training on magazine capacity restrictions and understand the importance of compliance for both legal and professional reasons.

Conclusion

Colorado’s magazine capacity law places unique challenges on security guards who must comply with the law while staying prepared for the realities of their profession. The law restricts guards to a 15-round magazine limit, which may disadvantage them against criminals who don’t follow these restrictions. However, with the right training, careful equipment choices, and compliance strategies, guards can still maintain effectiveness on the job.

Security guards play a vital role in maintaining public safety, and it’s essential for them to balance legal adherence with tactical readiness. Staying proficient in reloading techniques, carrying additional magazines, and maintaining situational awareness are key steps in bridging the gap. Lastly, guards are encouraged to stay informed, actively protect their rights, and support efforts to uphold the Second Amendment, ensuring they have the tools necessary to protect themselves and others in any situation.

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!