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It may seem crazy, but you gotta understand the reasoning. We were taught the same thing, but I never listened. I can see how you want to have every possible advantage should a problem arises, but I tend to think that is overkill. It is dangerous work though. Most companies don't have any perks/programs to help guards get body armor. It's up to the officer themselves to provide their own protection and lets face it, makin $12-15/hr isn't going to leave you with much extra money to buy a $4-800 vest. Also you have to look at the fact that in that small bag is tens of thousands of dollars in some cases....which most times you are liable for. Bad situation all around. All it takes is a few seconds of inattention and you could end up dead. It happened a few years ago, a guard stepped out of the truck, bent down to tie his loose bootstrings and was shot and killed.

I've worked Armored cars as well and I can say this. You definitely get a different reaction from both people and for the most part LEO's. That doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. It's the same job, requires the same training and licences, but they seem to have two different connotations.

WOW!!! I'm glad I work for a company that says we will arrive to the office ready to roll out of our car with no notice to take care of a situation. No gun=Buttchewin

I spoke with an investigator that works for DPS, and he said ANY reasonable stop going to, coming from or during the commission of your duties is perfectly legal. I too am a commissioned security officer and I happen to live in Ft. Worth. I spoke with several officers about this very issue and most are of the same mind. One uniform, one team. They don't want to see us unnecessarily disarmed and put at risk any more than they want to be. There are a few bad apples everywhere but we can't let them poison our minds or opinions on the rest. And Vice-Versa. I go to Wal-Mart all the time after work to pick up items that I need for the house and I always stop to talk to the off duty officer working that night. Never had any problems. I used to take my lunch break and go shopping at the Wal-Mart next to my house without any problems. Don't sweat it, but if you find yourself in that position again, all you can do is explain the law. I would call the DPS PSB and ask to speak to an investigator so you can hear it from yourself. Get his/her name and write it down. That way you have proof that this was approved by the proper authorities.