Armed security: a guide for pros
What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.
Offering armed security
You provide armed security guards for sites and events where a firearm is needed, under licensing, authorization and written use of force rules. Your value is qualified guards, documented rules and a clear record of every shift.
What customers ask
- Are your armed guards licensed and authorized for this location?
- What are the rules on when a guard may use force?
- How do you handle an incident involving a firearm?
- Do you carry the insurance that covers armed work?
- Can you provide armed guards at short notice?
How to win the job
- On the first call, ask for the site, the threat assessment, the insurance requirements, the hours and the emergency contacts, and confirm them in writing before you quote.
- Write the use of force rules with the client's input, and have the client sign that they have reviewed them before any armed shift starts.
- Keep a file for each armed guard with the license, the authorization, the training record and the background check, and send the client the proof before the first shift.
- Show the client a sample incident report and the reporting timeline for any firearm event.
- Confirm the insurance certificate covers armed work at the site, and send it to the client before the contract starts.
- Put the replacement process for an unavailable guard in the quote, so the post is never left unarmed without notice.
What to put on your profile
- List the armed licenses and authorizations your company holds, and the states where they apply.
- Describe the sites and event types you cover, in general terms.
- State how your guards are trained and how often that training is renewed.
Follow-up that helps the customer
- Review the use of force rules with the client after any incident or any change in site risk.
- Offer a post review with the client each quarter to confirm the rules are still correct.
- Suggest a joint drill with the client's staff and local emergency services where the client wants one.
Licenses and permits
Armed security is commonly licensed and often needs added authorization and firearm training on top of the basic guard license. Have the company license, every guard's license and authorization, and the required insurance current before any armed shift, and check the requirements of your state or local licensing agency.
Questions
What license do I need to run an armed guard company?
It depends on the state and the work. Check with your state or local licensing agency for both the company license and the individual guard licenses.
How do I handle a client who wants armed guards without a threat assessment?
Explain that the assessment shapes the rules and the posts. Recommend it in writing, and record the client's decision if they choose to proceed without one.
What records must I keep after an incident?
Keep the incident report, the shift log, the statements, the timeline and any notice you sent to the client or the agency. Store them securely for the period the rules require.
About this guide
This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.
Edit history
- Oct 29, 2026: Drafted by infinibell to our content guidelines.
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