imported post
I have the exposed firearm permit from BSIS, as I work as a uniformed security guard, let me be clear on a few things, as I know the law pretty well.
To carry an exposed firearm, you must meet the following conditions:
1) You must be in a BSIS approved uniform, this is defined as a uniform that has 2 patches on each shoulder, indicating the name of thecompany you work for, and the words "Private Security". You must also have a name tag visable on the front, and a badge. A unique identification number must also be present on the front of your person. None of these items can be concealed at anytime.
Cited:
7582.27. (a) Any person referred to in subdivision (i) of Section
7582.26 who uses or wears a baton or exposed firearm as authorized
pursuant to this chapter shall wear a patch on each arm that reads
"private security" and that includes the name of the company by which
the person is employed or for which the person is a representative.
The patch shall be clearly visible at all times. The patches of a
private patrol operator licensee, or his or her employees or
representatives shall be of a standard design approved by the
director.
(b) The director may assess a fine of two hundred fifty dollars
($250) per violation of subdivision (a).
7582.28. (a) Any badge or cap insignia worn by a person who is a
licensee, officer, director, partner, manager, or employee of a
licensee shall be of a design approved by the director, and shall
bear on its face a distinctive word indicating the name of the
licensee and an employee number by which the person may be identified
by the licensee.
The provisions of this section shall not be construed to authorize
persons to wear badges who are prohibited by Section 7582.26 from
wearing badges.
(b) The director may assess a fine of two hundred fifty dollars
($250) per violation of subdivision (a).
7582.26.(f) No private patrol licensee or officer, director, partner,
manager, or employee of a private patrol licensee shall use or wear a
badge, except while engaged in guard or patrol work and while
wearing a distinctive uniform. A private patrol licensee or officer,
director, partner, manager, or employee of a private patrol licensee
wearing a distinctive uniform shall wear a patch on each shoulder of
his or her uniform that reads "private security" and that includes
the name of the private patrol company by which the person is
employed or for which the person is a representative and a badge or
cloth patch on the upper left breast of the uniform. All patches and
badges worn on a distinctive uniform shall be of a standard design
approved by the director and shall be clearly visible.
The director may assess a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250)
per violation of this subdivision.
(I swear companies are cheap bastards, they skimp on nametages, ID numbers, and badges. Keep yourself legal, get a nametag with your number and name on it, and insist that your patches are up to spec, it only takes one encounter with BSIS to end it for you, oh, and don't expect that just because the local LEOs dont say anything that your legal, most LEOs dont know a thing about it, but please dont bank on this, you may someday run into a know-it-all LEO who will be happy to turn you into BSIS)
2) You must be on duty, or directly to and from your workplace in that uniform. Directly to and from means no stopping for gas, food, e.t.c.
Cited:
P.C. 12031
(d) Subdivision (a) shall not apply to any of the following:
(3) Private investigators and private patrol operators who are
licensed pursuant to Chapter 11.5 (commencing with Section 7512) of,
and alarm company operators who are licensed pursuant to Chapter 11.6
(commencing with Section 7590) of, Division 3 of the Business and
Professions Code, while acting within the course and scope of their
employment.
(4) Uniformed security guards or night watch persons employed by
any public agency, while acting within the scope and course of their
employment.
(5) Uniformed security guards, regularly employed and compensated
in that capacity by persons engaged in any lawful business, and
uniformed alarm agents employed by an alarm company operator, while
actually engaged in protecting and preserving the property of their
employers or on duty or en route to or from their residences or their
places of employment, and security guards and alarm agents en route
to or from their residences or employer-required range training.
Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prohibit cities and
counties from enacting ordinances requiring alarm agents to register
their names.
(6) Uniformed employees of private patrol operators and private
investigators licensed pursuant to Chapter 11.5 (commencing with
Section 7512) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code,
while acting within the course and scope of their employment.
(I know MANY guards whostretch this, and even have LEO encounters with no hassle, but if you are caught by a BSIS offical, expect your permits, and possibly your freedoms to be taken away.)
3) You must have a valid guard card and exposed firearms permit.
4) Your firearm must remain EXPOSED at all times, even while on duty. Covering it up is a major no-no without a CCW.
(I know for a fact that all LEOs know this law, infact I used to work with a guard who got busted for covering his gun with a coat. I was even told by a Sac PD officer one time to pull my coat up, it was partially covering my gun on accident)
5) Your firearm must be in a belt holster.. no chest rigs for you.
If you are not following allof those requirements, you are not legal.. Period.
If you have any further questions, you can visit my site at
http://www.casecurityofficer.org/ or e-mail me at
cadetprovince@sbcglobal.net I will be happy to answer your questions about BSIS permits.