Are armed guards legal in UK?
Firearms in the UK are banned and illegal. Therefore no, bodyguards are not allowed to be armed and carry guns in the UK. Furthermore, it is against the law for civilian close protection operatives to carry any other weapons, including pepper spray, mace, batons, or Tasers.
Are UK officers allowed to carry guns?
In the rest of the United Kingdom, only some police officers carry firearms; that duty is instead carried out by specially-trained firearms officers.
How do I become an armed security guard UK?
You’ll need to:
- have a good level of fitness.
- have a first aid certificate.
- pass enhanced background checks.
- be over 18 years of age.
- have a Security Industry Authority licence.
- have a full driving licence.
Can a private security company provide armed security in the UK?
This is a question that we will answer in length in this article. In the UK, private security companies aren’t authorised to provide armed security. Therefore, it is not possible for any Private Security including Bodyguards to ensure your personal protection using firearms in the UK.
Is it legal to carry a firearm in the UK?
At present, it is not lawful for any members of the public to carry a firearm, for the purpose of Close Protection. This includes SIA licensed and professionally trained Bodyguards. Gun control laws are tough in the United Kingdom, a country that prides itself for having one of the lowest rates of gun-related crimes in the world.
Can a security guard carry a gun?
The short answer is no. As Security Guards have the same rights and legal authority as the general public, this means that they cannot carry any form of weapon. That includes but is not limited to: Security Guards are allowed to carry handcuffs and use them to help detain people when necessary.
Should the UK restrict the use of firearms for close protection?
Whilst the United Kingdom restricts the use of firearms for Close Protection to a limited and selected number of police officers, who are government-trained, neighbouring European countries like France are reviewing their policy on armed security to respond better to the terrorist threat and growing security risks.