I know from looking around that people have mixed opinions of the legality of open carrying a pistol in NY. The only reason I'm bringing this up is because a friend owns a security company and has discussed having me become certified for armed security to do jobs for him on occasion. He gets good gigs at events around town and also some personal protection details for high profile people when they are in town.
From seeing the guys in action, I know they all openly carry pistols when they are working a job, often times standing shoulder to shoulder with uniformed police.
Here comes the logic and question. Armed security guards must have a license for the pistol under 400 - 2 (F). Same license as everyone else has. They do have to go through a 47 hour course that includes range qualification, but doesn't grant anything beyond what is in penal law 400. If they are legal to open carry, so must everyone else be with the same license 400 - 2 (F). There is nothing written saying no open carry, or carry concealed only. There is nothing saying concealed except for a) hunting b) security c).........
This isn't meant to be a "I wouldn't if I were you!" or "it's not a good idea!" thread. It's about the logic of everyone having the same license therefore having the same legal standing and abilities. Laws are written. If it's not written, it's not a law, and is not an arrest-able offense. I've even seen letters from the courts saying people may carry openly or concealed. The law says to "HAVE and carry concealed". Put all of that aside though, that is what is debatable - perhaps - but what is not debatable is the fact that armed guards, drivers, security etc. all carry openly without trouble on the same license we have.
Why?
From seeing the guys in action, I know they all openly carry pistols when they are working a job, often times standing shoulder to shoulder with uniformed police.
Here comes the logic and question. Armed security guards must have a license for the pistol under 400 - 2 (F). Same license as everyone else has. They do have to go through a 47 hour course that includes range qualification, but doesn't grant anything beyond what is in penal law 400. If they are legal to open carry, so must everyone else be with the same license 400 - 2 (F). There is nothing written saying no open carry, or carry concealed only. There is nothing saying concealed except for a) hunting b) security c).........
This isn't meant to be a "I wouldn't if I were you!" or "it's not a good idea!" thread. It's about the logic of everyone having the same license therefore having the same legal standing and abilities. Laws are written. If it's not written, it's not a law, and is not an arrest-able offense. I've even seen letters from the courts saying people may carry openly or concealed. The law says to "HAVE and carry concealed". Put all of that aside though, that is what is debatable - perhaps - but what is not debatable is the fact that armed guards, drivers, security etc. all carry openly without trouble on the same license we have.
Why?