If a security officer with a current 'guard card' is caught carrying a baton without a permit, what offense have they committed?

Carrying a baton without the appropriate permit constitutes a serious breach of regulations governing the conduct of security professionals. In California, the Private Security Services Act explicitly mandates that certain weapons, including batons, can only be carried by individuals who have received the necessary training and have obtained a valid permit. If a security officer is found in possession of a baton without this permit, it results in a significant violation of the law.

Such an offense is classified as a felony due to the nature of the weapon involved and the potential risk that unregulated possession poses to public safety. The law recognizes that allowing individuals to carry certain weapons without appropriate training or authorization can lead to dangerous situations both for the individuals carrying the weapons and the public. Therefore, the severity of the penalties associated with this violation reflects the potential for harm and the importance of compliance with security laws and regulations.

This classification as a felony underscores the legal responsibility that security officers hold in maintaining safety and adhering to the regulations set out by the state.