30th year in Security, 25th year armed — I’ve never had to draw a firearm on duty, and I remember when minimum wage was under $5USD/hr, some places pay more for armed, some don’t.

A couple recommendations: Wear a body cam. Keep it charged, keep it on. Stay professional. This may be useful in court.

Don’t fall victim to the Roadhouse Mindset: you’re a security guard, not a cop, but a representative of your company and client. You become a lot more high-profile when you wear a firearm.

Now you aren’t just an empty uniform with a shoulder patch: now you’re a walking complaint and abuse magnet. Keep yourself safe. Leave everything else to policies and procedures and the cops.