Armed Security Guard Services

An armed officer is not simply an unarmed officer with a firearm. Tennessee sets a separate registration, extra training and a qualification score, and a company that places armed officers takes on more responsibility. Crimson Security Service provides licensed armed security officers across Middle Tennessee, managed by our locally owned team in Smyrna (TN license #14376). We also run the guard training school that teaches the state's armed course.

The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) regulates armed guards under its Private Protective Services program. To be registered as an armed security guard, an officer must:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
• Pass the state's criminal history standard. A felony, or certain misdemeanors involving a weapon, shoplifting, violence, drug distribution or theft, can disqualify an applicant unless the sentence or probation ended at least five years before applying.
• Pass a fingerprint background check.
• Complete 4 hours of general training, 8 more classroom hours on the law and on handling and maintaining a firearm, and 4 hours of marksmanship with a score of at least 70% on a state-approved silhouette course, using an approved firearm. That is 16 hours.
• Wait for the state registration card before working in an armed capacity.

Armed registrations are renewed every two years with refresher training and requalification.

Many of our officers train with us. The Initial Armed Guard course is two days and 16 hours, with classroom training at our Smyrna office and range qualification at an indoor range in Murfreesboro. Armed renewal is a 5-hour course. Our officers are also trained in house on the baton, pepper spray and handcuffs, and we offer a state-certified active shooter preparedness course taught by Glen Busch.

We recommend the lowest level of coverage that fits the real risk. Unarmed officers are enough for most lobby, retail, residential and patrol posts. They are a visible presence, they watch, they document and they call the police when needed. Armed officers fit different situations:

• Higher-risk sites with a history of serious incidents.
• Cash, valuables or sensitive materials that are handled or stored on site.
• Late-night or isolated posts where help is a long way off.
• Schools and places of worship whose leadership chooses armed protection. See school security and church security.
• Events with a large crowd or a specific concern. See event security.
• Sites where a client's insurer, lender or contract asks for armed officers.

An armed post also comes with trade-offs: it requires more of the officer, and may require approval from your landlord, tenants or insurance carrier. We'll talk those through. If you're not sure, we can start with an assessment, and you can decide afterward.

1. Site assessment. We look at the site, the hours, the people and the risks, and ask what you need the officer to be able to do.
2. Written post orders. The officer's duties, communication, escalation contacts and reporting are in writing before the first shift.
3. Matched officers. We place an officer registered and qualified for the post, and for school posts the extra state training.
4. Supervision and reports. GPS and QR checkpoints record patrol rounds, daily activity and incident reports are delivered online, and local management stays involved.

Armed officers are available throughout our service area. Each city page has local detail, for example Nashville, Murfreesboro and Franklin & Brentwood.

Are your armed officers licensed?
Armed officers must hold the state's armed security guard registration, and Crimson is licensed as a contract security company (#14376). See licensed and insured.

Can an armed officer work an unarmed post?
Generally, yes. We match the officer to the post.

Can we require armed officers on one shift and unarmed on others?
Yes. Coverage is built around when your site is most exposed.

Can I get armed officers just for an event?
Yes. Share the venue, date and attendance and we'll recommend staffing.

What do I need to do to get my own armed card?
See our Training & Licensing page and the guide to getting a Tennessee security guard card.