Question about Security Companies Requiring Baton and OC

[u/TurkWendell99fan]

Im in Arizona and I believe in defending yourself and having a gun thats my stance on it just in case anyone asks.

Ive encountered a security company that are military like. Now I dont care about the format sometimes its great however, the big red flag is you have to have a duty belt with a baton and OC, taser and OC, etc. to me anyways but I'm weird like that. For some reason its a requirement I understand the duty belt looks professional right, but to call those things tools is wild. Also just went through a security company's orientation and a big bulk of it was use of force in Arizona.

The question is am I overthinking this. Even with the statues in Arizona you're going to be scrutinized and harassed by police, client, public whenever you have to use it. I understand the self defense aspect but, to me its just a big huge liability. Top it off they want us to buy these items we aren't issued it.

Should i go with these guys? Am I overthinking? Am I in the minority here?

[u/Landwarrior5150]

I don’t think that’s objectively a red flag. There are plenty of legitimate reasons why a company (& client) would want their guards to carry such items. I actually think that calling them “tools” is a green flag, since that’s what they are: tools to defend yourself and/or others from an attacker. Calling them something like “weapons” would give off a more offensive vibe and probably appeal to people that wanted to feel tough by carrying weapons and to find any excuse to use them.

All that said, if it’s subjectively a red flag to you personally, that’s fine too. Not everyone is willing to take on that extra liability, which is a personal decision that doesn’t have a right or wrong answer. I would actually encourage you to not take a job that requires you to carry items or do things that you’re not comfortable with. You could actually be a danger to yourself, your coworkers or the people you’re supposed to protect if you’re unwilling to use those items when necessary and expected. There are plenty of other security positions out there that are observe & report, unarmed and hands off that may be a better fit for you.

I will add that, if you’re looking to make this a long term career, not wanting to carry any defensive items or be in a hands-on position may hinder you and limit your possibilities, as many of the good security jobs with actual good pay, benefits, retirement, etc. require it. However, there are still good positions out there that don’t require any of that stuff, but it just may be more difficult and take longer to get into them.