1. (1) Firearms - The holder of a valid armed security guard/officer registration card may carry a firearm in the performance of duties only if:

   1. (a) Armed security guard/officer:

      1. 1. The security guard has qualified pursuant to § 62-35-118(b)(2) in the use of such firearm. The security guard must be qualified by a certified trainer for each firearm used in the security guard’s employment; and
      2. 2. The firearm is a standard .38 special, .32 auto, .357 magnum, .357 SIG, .380 auto, 9mm, 10mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP or GAP caliber revolver or semiautomatic pistol, or other firearm approved by the Commissioner. No person shall carry a firearm classified as a pistol caliber carbine, regardless of whether it is classified as a pistol and/or utilizes handgun cartridges, unless the firearm has been approved by the Commissioner for enhanced armed guards and the individual is registered as an enhanced armed guard to use the firearm.
      3. 3. No person acting as an armed security guard shall be authorized to carry a short barrel rifle unless the person is authorized to use such firearm as an enhanced armed guard. A short barrel rifle shall be considered a rifle pursuant to these rules.
      4. 4. Pursuant to Chapter 344 of the Public Acts of 2025, effective January 1, 2026, no armed security guard/officers will be able to carry a shotgun while providing security services unless the individual has been certified as an enhanced armed security guard/officer. Any armed security guard/officer who has only qualified with a shotgun must qualify with an approved firearm to continue to work as an armed security guard/officer.

   2. (b) Enhanced armed security guard/officer:

      1. 1. An enhanced armed security guard/officer may carry any firearm the armed security guard/officer is qualified to carry as an armed security guard/officer.
      2. 2. Only an individual who is actively certified as an enhanced armed security guard/officer may use a rifle or shotgun, including a short barrel rifle or short barrel shotgun, during the performance of the armed security guard/officer’s duties as a security guard/officer if it is in compliance with federal law and these rules.
      3. 3. In addition to any other firearm the enhanced armed guard is approved to use as an armed security guard/officer, the enhanced armed guard may obtain approval to use a:
   3. (i) Standard, pump-action 12-gauge shotgun; and/or

   4. (ii) Standard .223 Rem or 5.56 NATO bolt-action or semi-automatic rifle.

      1. 4. A standard shotgun has a fixed stock and does not include a tactical shotgun.
   5. (c) No security guard/officer shall carry a firearm on their person while acting in the role of a security guard/officer regardless of whether or not such individual possesses a handgun carry permit issued by the Department of Safety or is otherwise able to lawfully carry a firearm as a private citizen, unless the security guard is properly registered and certified to carry the firearm pursuant to the Act.

2. (2) Other Weapons - A security guard/officer may carry a baton, a stun gun or a chemical spray only if:

   1. (a) The security guard/officer has successfully completed the appropriate training for the use of the weapon as established by this rule;
   2. (b) The security guard/officer carries on his or her person a card signed by a trainer certified by the Commissioner to conduct such training to the effect that the security guard/officer has successfully completed the training required to carry the weapon which was administered by the trainer.
   3. (c) The security guard/officer has obtained authorization from the contract security company or proprietary security organization which employs the security guard/officer.
3. (3) Prior to carrying a baton, a security guard/officer shall complete a minimum of four (4) hours of training administered by a trainer who has been certified by the Commissioner to train security guards/officers in the use of the baton. Such training shall consist of instruction in the proper use of a baton and the liabilities associated with the use of the baton.
4. (4) Prior to carrying chemical spray, a security guard/officer shall complete a minimum of four (4) hours of training administered by a trainer who has been certified by the Commissioner to train security guards/officers in the use of chemical spray. Such training shall consist of instruction in the proper use of chemical spray and the liabilities associated with the use of chemical spray.
5. (5) Prior to carrying a stun gun, a security guard/officer shall complete a minimum of four (4) hours of training administered by a trainer who has been certified by the Commissioner to train security guards/officers in the use of stun guns. Such training shall consist of instruction in the proper use of a stun gun and the liabilities associated with the use of the stun gun.
6. (6) A security guard/officer may not possess any type of weapon that is not provided for by this rule while acting as a security guard/officer.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 62-35-129 and 62-35-134. Administrative History: Original rule filed November 17, 1987; effective January 1, 1988. Amendment filed October 21, 1988; effective December 5, 1988. Amendment filed April 16, 1992; effective May 31, 1992. Amendment filed January 30, 1997; effective April 15, 1997. Amendment filed February 28, 2001; effective May 14, 2001. Amendments filed March 21, 2025; effective June 19, 2025. Emergency rules filed December 26, 2025; effective through June 24, 2026. Amendments filed March 17, 2026; effective June 15, 2026.