See if your state requires firearms training, mental health exams and background checks for armed security guards.
Hired Guns
Across the U.S., a haphazard system of lax laws, minimal oversight and little accountability puts guns in the hands of guards who endanger lives.
Posted inCriminal Justice, Guns, Hired Guns
Get CIR’s state-by-state data on regulations for armed security guards
Whether you’re a reporter writing a story about how your state regulates (or doesn’t regulate) armed guards, or an interested citizen wanting to learn more, just fill out our form to get access.
Posted inGuns, Hired Guns
Armed & Dangerous: The illustrated story
This is the story of Kijuan Byrd – he was shot to death by a private security guard with a history of substance abuse, who later was diagnosed with psychological disorders.
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Posted inCriminal Justice, Guns, Hired Guns, Law Enforcement
Guard industry welcomes ex-law enforcement officers despite shady pasts
CIR has identified dozens of armed guards who previously had been fired from or left law enforcement after being accused of offenses such as civil rights violations, excessive force and corruption.
Posted inCriminal Justice, Guns, Hired Guns
Florida clubgoer’s death shows weak links in security guard licensing
Regulators have approved licenses for guards without conducting mental health evaluations or checking for evidence of substance abuse.
Posted inCriminal Justice, Guns, Hired Guns
Coming Dec. 9: Hired Guns, a CIR and CNN investigation
A yearlong investigation by The Center for Investigative Reporting and CNN has found that despite the image of safety they project, armed guards often pose a threat in an industry rife with lax laws, minimal oversight and almost no accountability.