Would you give more respect to an armed security guard?

Balter

Would you give more respect/co-operation to an armed security guard over one un-armed even though they both have the same legal powers?

Just wondering how viable it really is to be an armed security guard.

Cleffy

Pretty sure Security Guards in massive public settings are restricted from being able to carry firearms.  Usually the only ones who are armed are ones who guard wharehouses in secluded areas, or bank vaults away from the public area.

Sabiancym

Someone carrying a gun does not make me respect them.  Fear and power does not equal respect.

paulscott

Whether or not the security is armed in the building is based on if Risk vs. Reward and simple game math.

Risks:  extremely public area(psycho insane guard BAD, risk guard being in bad situation less).    Secluded area(risk to guard much worse, response time from external sources worse).   nice target(bank money).

Reward:  "expensive" facility(bank robbed with no defense bad K),  walmart(it's all insured anyways)

Tyvolus1

Originally posted by paulscott


Whether or not the security is armed in the building is based on if Risk vs. Reward and simple game math.
Risks:  extremely public area(psycho insane guard BAD, risk guard being in bad situation less).    Secluded area(risk to guard much worse, response time from external sources worse).   nice target(bank money).
Reward:  "expensive" facility(bank robbed with no defense bad K),  walmart(it's all insured anyways)

 

So according to your "simple math" should guards in public schools carry guns ?  What is the risk/reward there ?  Oh, wait, your little math equation doesnt take into account, random crazed shooters who are not the least bit concerned with risk/reward...please see such shootings as the ones in Colorado and at Virginia Tech before you try and post your cute little math equations.

Tuor7

I'm not sure of the point of the OP's question.

Armed security officers tend to get paid more money and are usually only used in situations with large sums of money (like armored car guards).  It's not a matter of respect, but rather of the perceived need for them to protect themselves.

I was once a security officer at a US Bank branch. I wasn't armed. Some of the customers asked me if I wouldn't rather be armed in case the bank was robbed. I told them I was *glad* wasn't armed: the bad guy will always get the drop on me since they can decide when and where they will attack, and if I'm armed then I would be considered a target that needs to be taken out first thing. My paycheck was definitely not worth me getting shot.

Security officers are extensions of the authority of the people who own the store/business/company/whatever. They're there to enforce the rules of the company and see to people's safety. They should be respected insofar as those things are important, and that's it. Guns in and of themselves should have nothing to do with it.

rubyring88

i dont think i need to pay respect to them, doesn't mean i look down upon them, i have no specific feelings on them, i dont fear them fo i dont do sth like robbery etc. they wont use arms to hurt me. and i remember a security guard like in a office building doesnt carry arms, like guards who escort money to banks will carry arms.

paulscott

Originally posted by Tyvolus1

Originally posted by paulscott


Whether or not the security is armed in the building is based on if Risk vs. Reward and simple game math.
Risks:  extremely public area(psycho insane guard BAD, risk guard being in bad situation less).    Secluded area(risk to guard much worse, response time from external sources worse).   nice target(bank money).
Reward:  "expensive" facility(bank robbed with no defense bad K),  walmart(it's all insured anyways)

 

So according to your "simple math" should guards in public schools carry guns ?  What is the risk/reward there ?  Oh, wait, your little math equation doesnt take into account, random crazed shooters who are not the least bit concerned with risk/reward...please see such shootings as the ones in Colorado and at Virginia Tech before you try and post your cute little math equations.

 

Wait you expect me to apply reasonabliness to unreasonable people?

 

Also those building fall under adding the risk:  Highly stressed people in close and extreme social environment.    No where else in real life to you have that many people so closely interacting with each other, with as much familiarity, and for as long during the day...

Grunty

If you are thinking of getting into security for the respect it gives you then you are doing it for the wrong reason.  There are a lot of people who will go out of their way to show disrespect for anyone with some authority.

John.A.Zoid

Guards shouldn't be allowed to have guns, they don't in the UK and people still fear getting caught. I mean really do guns in the USA stop crime? No they just cause deaths.

wagersantonio

People might give more respect and cooperation to an armed security guard compared to an unarmed one, even if they have the same legal powers. This is because an armed guard is seen as having more authority and the ability to handle serious threats. Security camera systems can help both types of guards monitor and protect areas effectively, but the presence of a weapon might make people feel safer and more inclined to follow rules.

homedecoretoday

Respect for an armed security guard often hinges on various factors beyond just their possession of a weapon. While the presence of a firearm can inherently demand attention and caution, respect typically extends from professionalism, training, and adherence to safety protocols rather than solely from being armed. Effective communication skills, calm demeanor under pressure, and a clear commitment to protecting others contribute tex9.net Gaming significantly to how much respect individuals may accord to armed security personnel in different contexts.

lukabenson

It depends on the situation. I’d say it’s more about how the security guard carries themselves than whether they’re armed. But that doesn’t mean I’d necessarily give more respect to a guard just because they’re armed. For example, I’ve got this Vivint doorbell camera pro at home, and it’s super reassuring knowing it’s watching over things. 

What matters more to me is their professionalism and how well they do their job. An armed guard might seem more intimidating, but respect should come from their approach and how they handle themselves, not just the gear they carry. It’s about the trust they build and how they interact with people.