The Dangerous Shortcut: Hiring Armed Guards Who Only Have a Concealed Carry Permit

In today’s environment, businesses and property owners recognize the value of having professional, armed security on-site to deter crime and protect people and property. Unfortunately, some security companies take shortcuts, hiring individuals to carry firearms on duty simply because they hold a concealed carry permit (CCW) or state-issued firearm license.

This dangerous and illegal practice creates serious liability risks for both the security company and the client. A concealed carry permit does not qualify someone to work as an armed security officer.

1. Concealed Carry ≠ Professional Firearms Training

A concealed carry permit is designed to allow civilians to carry a handgun for personal protection—not to perform armed duties in a professional or public capacity.

The training requirements for a CCW are minimal compared to the extensive, scenario-based instruction required for certified armed security officers.

For example:

• CCW training typically covers basic firearm safety and state carry laws, sometimes only a few hours in length.

• Armed security officer training involves tactical firearms proficiency, de-escalation, use-of-force continuum, legal authority, and judgment under stress, often exceeding 40+ hours and requiring regular requalification.

  
  

Hiring someone to perform armed duties based solely on their CCW is not just negligent—it’s a breach of legal and professional standards.

2. Legal and Licensing Violations

Most states have specific licensing requirements for armed security personnel, including:

• Completion of a state-approved armed security training course

• Passing a background investigation

• Maintaining certification through a licensed security company

  
  

Allowing or employing a person with only a concealed carry permit to work armed security duties violates these requirements.

If discovered, this can result in:

• Revocation of the company’s license

• Civil and criminal penalties for the employer and the guard

• Client liability for contracting with a noncompliant provider

  
  

In some cases, state regulators have shut down security firms entirely for such violations.

3. Liability and Insurance Exposure

Insurance carriers require that all armed guards meet state training and certification standards. If an unqualified guard discharges their weapon or injures someone, insurance coverage may be denied, leaving the property owner financially responsible.

Potential outcomes include:

• Denial of liability claims

• Lawsuits for negligent hiring and supervision

• Massive out-of-pocket costs for damages, injuries, or fatalities

  
  

In other words, when a company hires an untrained “armed” guard, the client inherits their liability.

4. Poor Judgment Under Pressure

A firearm on duty is not a symbol of authority; it’s a tool that requires disciplined judgment and professional control. Untrained individuals with only a CCW permit often lack the experience to:

• Distinguish between a threat and a non-threat

• Apply proportional use of force

• Communicate and coordinate under pressure

A single mistake can result in tragic consequences, legal prosecution, and devastating reputational damage for both the guard and the client’s organization.

5. Reputational and Operational Risks for Property Owners

If an incident occurs and it’s revealed that your contracted security company employed untrained armed personnel, your property’s reputation—and possibly its insurance coverage- could be at risk.

Commercial property owners may face:

• Negative media attention

• Loss of tenant confidence

• Increased scrutiny from insurers and regulators

• Potential termination of business contracts

No property owner wants to explain to the public or to a courtroom why they allowed unqualified personnel with firearms to protect their tenants and employees.

6. How to Protect Yourself and Your Property

Before hiring any armed security service, always demand documentation of:

• State-issued security company license and armed guard endorsements

• Proof of training from a state-approved firearms course

• Insurance coverage that specifically includes armed operations

• Supervision protocols and use-of-force policies

Licensed and reputable providers like C4SEM® Security & Investigations ensure every armed officer is trained, certified, and accountable, meeting or exceeding Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and state regulatory standards.

Conclusion

A concealed carry permit does not make someone a professional armed guard. It only means they can carry a gun—not that they know when or how to use it responsibly in a security role.

Hiring untrained armed personnel is a shortcut that can lead to disaster. Property owners and managers must partner only with licensed, insured, and professionally trained security firms that take compliance and competence seriously.

At C4SEM® Enterprises Inc., our armed officers undergo rigorous training, continuous qualification, and operational oversight to ensure every assignment is safe, compliant, and mission-ready.

Don’t take chances with safety—hire professionals, not permits.