Why aren't security guards at stores armed?

Question

I'm not saying I am, but if I were a bandit trying to steal something I would just shoot or stab the silly security guards.

Why do they rely so much on the criminals being unarmed?

Answer 1

Because to be armed they would have to go through the same training as police officers; and to be a security guard you don't need any of that training. But I see your concern... that seems like it would be way more dangerous for the guard =P

Answer 2

  They usually call police before enacting them selves in the confrontation of gun welding punks..  They are there to secure the malls from shop lifters, and watch out for trouble before it happens.

Answer 3

if a person robs a store, they aren't going to get much money. if every store has a security guard with a gun, someone will get hurt and/or killed. people who rob store just want the money, not trouble. plus there are usually security cameras all over the place.

Answer 4

I believe in arming and training security guards. However these types of training, especially ones involving firearms costs money and time, so that is why some security companies don't arm their guards. Stores obviously go for the lowest bidder in security and that's why you see them hire guards without weapons.  

Answer 5

Lots of funny answers here.

There are 2 reasons.

Some states, like NJ, have laws that are so oppressive that it is too hard to get licenses for the guards to have guns.

Most companies are more worried about liability than safety. They are more worried about being sued if the guard uses force against somebody than they are about letting the guard protect himself and the other employees and customers. They want the guard as a visible deterrent to theft but if the the real bad guys come in they are willing to sacrifice the guard (and everybody else) to avoid being sued.

Answer 6

I'm guessing having to get a license for the weapons will cost these security companies more money. Also, when it's a small business they cannot afford this. Usually big jewelry stores will hire armed securities.

Answer 7

because they usually aren't? and most guards have consealed guns on them

Answer 8

Usually just having the presence of a guard in uniform may deter crime. Most stores insurance companies require the store have a guard. The guard is only there to observe and report to the police all crimes. They may detain people and make citizens arrests if they witness a crime. If you want to spend the rest of your life in prison with all those other dudes and never experiencing a warm soft woman again...then shoot the silly guard you homo. Chances are you'll be on camera anyway so your adventure would be short lived. I'd focus my attention on doing good things to others and for yourself. There's more satisfaction in that.

Answer 9

The short answer is that unarmed guards are cheaper. Armed guards require different licensing and training. It's the store's choice of which they use. They're not much worried about robberies. More about theft and just have a general presence of a guard.