Do armed security guards require more regulation?
* Should there be a national standard for background checks?
* Is there a national clearinghouse for armed security guards?
* Is mental health screening necessary for armed security guards?
* Do armed security guards need more use-of-force training?
Play CNN Hired Guns video then listen to the podcast dialog
Podcast Time Stamps
* [00:40] - Should government create laws for armed security guards
* [01:25] - Armed security officers are not police officers
* [04:10] - Interview with investigative reporter Lisa McCormick begins
* [08:00] - At what level of government should regulations be enacted
* [12:00] - Need for a national armed security guards clearinghouse
* [18:15] - Armed security guards agency is easiest to regulate
* [21:15] - Property owners that hire armed guards are responsible
* [23:00] - Interview follow-up and remarks
Armed Security Guards in the News
Investigative reporter, Lisa McCormick from WDAF-TV in Kansas City called to get my opinion about the need for armed security guards licensing and background checks in Missouri, Kansas, and other states.
Should the government require background checks and special training for armed security?Tweet This
Armed Security Guards - Big Questions
* Should Missouri, Kansas, and other states create laws requiring background checks of armed security guards?
* What are the risks of not having screening and training regulations for armed security guards?
* Do I agree that the industry of armed security guards is a haphazard system of lax laws with minimal oversight and almost no accountability?
* Are more hours of scenario training required for armed security guards?
Armed Security Guards - Answers are Complex
* The federal government should only provide a framework for private security guard screening especially the small armed segment of that industry.
* Federal government should assist with coordination of a national clearinghouse for background checks and ease current obstructions
* The state government is good at setting regulations and standards, but not for staying on top of licensing, complaints, and local enforcement.
* Local municipal government is best at enforcement if they consistently under-take the duty statewide and have budget assistance to do so.
* There needs to be a hybrid method of adopting Federal & State standards with local enforcement and oversight without being burdensome.
* We can do better, for example, a licensed manicurist has stricter licensing and training requirements than an armed security guard.
More Resources on this Subject:
* Video source: CNN and Center for Investigative Reporting with Anderson Cooper.
* CNN year-long report on Armed Security Guards called
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