Are proprietary security officers permitted to carry a baton?

Proprietary security officers are not permitted to carry a baton or any other deadly weapon because their primary role is to protect the interests of their employer and the property rather than engage in law enforcement activities. The California Private Security Services Act emphasizes that weapons or devices classified as deadly weapons are generally not part of the training or responsibilities assigned to proprietary security personnel.

In this regulatory framework, the scope of their duties is limited to non-lethal means of protection and intervention. As such, the act ensures that their focus remains on prevention and observation rather than enforcement through potentially dangerous means. This regulation is in place to maintain safety and avoid escalation in situations that could lead to confrontations that might otherwise require law enforcement intervention.

It’s important to remember that while some jurisdictions or specific roles within the security profession may allow the carry of certain defensive tools with appropriate training or licensing, proprietary security officers fall under stricter guidelines regarding the use of such equipment. This is a measure to protect both the officers and the public, ensuring that security functions are carried out safely and within legal parameters.