If a PPO or PPO employee has an FQ card that specifies a '9mm' firearm, can they legally carry a .38 pistol while in uniform?

The correct response is that the individual must carry the firearm specified on the FQ card. This is important for maintaining compliance with the regulations governing private security personnel in California. The law requires that security personnel carry the specific firearm that has been trained on and designated in their Firearms Qualification (FQ) card.

The rationale behind this regulation is rooted in ensuring that security officers are only carrying firearms with which they are proficient and have been authorized to use. This helps to promote safety and accountability within the field of private security. Carrying a different firearm, such as a .38 pistol when the FQ card specifies a 9mm, could create legal issues, undermine the training provided, and potentially lead to dangerous situations if the individual is not adequately trained to handle that different firearm.

The other choices propose scenarios that do not align with legal requirements. For instance, special permits or prior authorization are not standard allowances in this context, and the notion that using a different firearm could be permissible as long as it’s not used in a confrontation undermines the foundational rules regarding firearm safety and appropriate training.