Find out what’s working – and what’s not – in states’ efforts to regulate armed security guards.
armed guards
Posted inGuns, Hired Guns
Armed guard paralyzes unarmed teen over stolen Cheetos
If Arizona had required gun-ownership background checks for security guards, one guard might not have begun work at a Circle K convenience store where he later shot and paralyzed an unarmed teenager.
Posted inGuns, Hired Guns
Many armed guards aren’t getting the vetting regulators thought
Twelve states that reported that they are running guard applicants through an FBI records check actually are obtaining only a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
Don’t miss a story. Get our investigations delivered to your inbox.
Processing…
Success! You're on the list.
Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again.
Posted inGuns, Hired Guns
5 ways the armed-guard industry is out of control
Private security companies have hired felons, people with mental health issues and former police officers accused of abuse. There are horror stories from nearly every state, and they all point to the same issue: an industry lacking oversight and accountability.
Posted inGuns, Hired Guns
Results may be deadly when armed guards don’t get mental health checks
Only four states require armed-guard applicants to undergo a mental health evaluation, which is standard for law enforcement officers.
Posted inGuns, Guns and Mental Health, Hired Guns
State legislators look for ways to tighten armed-guard regulations
In Arizona and other states, legislators are exploring regulatory changes for armed security guards to address problems exposed by our Hired Guns investigation.