TPS Firearms & Weapons Regulations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What classification of security officer is authorized to carry a firearm in Texas under Chapter 1702?
- Class A (commissioned) security officer with a firearm endorsement (Correct answer)
- Class B (non-commissioned) security officer
- Any security officer with a Texas LTC (License to Carry)
- Any security officer with written authorization from their employer
Correct answer: Class A (commissioned) security officer with a firearm endorsement
Only Class A (commissioned) officers with a specific firearm endorsement on their commission are authorized to carry firearms while on duty as a security officer.
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1702 creates two types of security officer commissions: Class A (commissioned) and Class B (non-commissioned). Only Class A officers are authorized to carry firearms, and only when they have completed the required firearms training and have the firearm endorsement on their DPS commission. Simply having a personal LTC does not authorize an officer to carry firearms while acting in their commissioned capacity.
Question 2: What firearms training must a Texas commissioned security officer complete before being authorized to carry a firearm on duty?
- DPS-approved Level III Security Officer training including firearm proficiency qualification (Correct answer)
- Any NRA-certified firearms course
- Texas LTC course only
- Basic firearm safety course from any certified instructor
Correct answer: DPS-approved Level III Security Officer training including firearm proficiency qualification
The DPS requires completion of an approved Level III security training course that includes firearms qualification. The training must be from a DPS-licensed instructor.
Under 37 TAC Chapter 35, Level III (armed) security training requires completion of a DPS-approved curriculum that includes both academic instruction and live-fire qualification. The training covers firearm safety, legal use of force, weapons handling, and a shooting qualification course. Officers must qualify with each weapon they intend to carry on duty.
Question 3: A commissioned security officer in Texas may only carry a firearm of what type while on duty?
- The specific firearm(s) listed and qualified on their DPS commission endorsement (Correct answer)
- Any firearm they personally own
- Any firearm authorized by their employer
- Any firearm approved for Texas LTC holders
Correct answer: The specific firearm(s) listed and qualified on their DPS commission endorsement
Officers must qualify with and be endorsed to carry specific weapons. They may only carry the exact firearm type(s) listed on their DPS firearms endorsement while working as a security officer.
The DPS firearm endorsement on a security officer's commission specifies the types of weapons the officer is qualified to carry. Officers may not carry a firearm of a different type or caliber while working in a commissioned capacity. If an officer wants to carry a different weapon, they must complete a new qualification course and obtain an updated endorsement.
Question 4: What must a commissioned security officer do if they discharge their firearm while on duty?
- Immediately secure the scene, render aid if needed, notify law enforcement and their supervisor, and complete required reports (Correct answer)
- Continue their patrol and report it in writing at the end of their shift
- Surrender their firearm to their employer and make no report
- Notify only their employer within 24 hours
Correct answer: Immediately secure the scene, render aid if needed, notify law enforcement and their supervisor, and complete required reports
Any on-duty firearm discharge requires immediate notifications to law enforcement and supervisors, scene security, and completion of all required incident reports and DPS notifications.
An on-duty firearm discharge by a security officer triggers multiple obligations: ensure the scene is safe and render first aid if anyone is injured; immediately notify law enforcement (call 911) and the supervising security company; do not disturb the scene more than necessary; and complete a detailed incident report. The DPS Private Security Bureau must also be notified of firearm discharges.
Question 5: Under Texas law, where is a commissioned security officer prohibited from carrying their duty firearm?
- Locations prohibited by law, such as courts, polling places, schools, and establishments with 51% alcohol sales signs (Correct answer)
- Any private property where the owner has not given explicit permission
- Public parks and recreational areas
- Any location not specified in the post order
Correct answer: Locations prohibited by law, such as courts, polling places, schools, and establishments with 51% alcohol sales signs
Texas law prohibits carrying firearms in specific locations regardless of commission status, including courts, polling places, schools, and licensed establishments with 51% alcohol sales signs (the red sign).
Texas Government Code and Penal Code establish prohibited locations for carrying firearms, including: courts and court offices, polling places on election day, schools and school grounds, secured areas of airports, licensed premises that derive 51% or more of income from alcohol (the red '51%' sign), and correctional facilities. Post orders and employer authorization cannot override statutory prohibitions.
Question 6: What is the correct procedure for a commissioned officer when they end their shift and are no longer on duty?
- Store the duty firearm securely per company policy; a security commission does not authorize carry outside of duty hours (Correct answer)
- Continue carrying the firearm since the commission is valid 24/7
- Return the firearm only if it belongs to the employer; keep personal firearms on their person
- Hand the firearm to the incoming officer at shift change
Correct answer: Store the duty firearm securely per company policy; a security commission does not authorize carry outside of duty hours
A security commission authorizes carrying a firearm only while on duty in a commissioned capacity. Off-duty carry must be authorized by a Texas LTC, not the commission alone.
A Texas security officer commission with firearm endorsement authorizes the officer to carry a firearm while performing their commissioned security duties. It does not grant authority to carry while off duty. Off-duty carry requires a separate Texas License to Carry (LTC). At the end of a shift, officers must secure their duty firearm according to company policy.
TPS Firearms & Weapons Regulations 1
What classification of security officer is authorized to carry a firearm in Texas under Chapter 1702?