SECURITY AGENCIES PREFER NO GUNS (SECOND OF TWO PARTS)

When it comes to guns, area security guard agency owners prefer to leave the shooting to local police departments.

Total Security Regional Vice President Steve Gill said a client has to persuade him security guards need to carry guns before he even considers it.

"Many times you can show that a gun really isn't necessary," said Gill, whose agency employs 400 guards in Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee.

Gill said he wants his people to observe and report and to be alert and gather information.

"We do not want our guards getting into confrontations," he said.

AA Security Agency owner Shirley Max decided not to arm her guards because of the jobs she takes.

Her jobs often involve teen-agers, she said, adding that her officers work the McDonald's parking lot or a high school sporting event.

Max, who employs 10 security guards, said, "I don't think you need to provoke a teen-ager by showing a weapon. In most cases the uniform acts as an effective deterrent."

Jerry Wolsey, owner of Wolsey Investigative Services, is reluctant to arm the guards he hires.

"I'm a little bit leery when it comes to armed guards," Wolsey said. "I would rather let the local police department handle the weapons because that's what they're trained to do. They're going to be more experienced anyway."

Cape Girardeau Police Chief Howard "Butch" Boyd isn't opposed to security guards bearing weapons "as long as they are trained and certified."

Boyd said some jobs, like an armored car, require guards to carry guns.

Maryland Security owner David Floyd takes only jobs that never require bearing weapons.

"There's only three of us and we're all working on a part-time basis," Floyd said. "We do special events, private dances and special activities. We're pretty selective about where we work."

If Wolsey is persuaded to arm a security guard to protect a client, he requires the guard to complete a firearms certification training session.

"Only the guards who have passed a firearms certification class through instructor Tom Beardslee are allowed to carry a gun," he said.

Putting a gun in the hand of a security guard becomes a more costly venture.

Wolsey said he charges clients more if they require guards to carry guns.

He said his liability insurance doubles when weapons are involved.

"When a gun enters into the picture, the risk of something happening goes up considerably," he said.