France’s Interior Ministry will create an ‘enhanced’ security officer status, giving private security guards the right to carry weapons around sensitive sites, according to a report in Le Figaro. The move is expected to apply to hundreds or possibly even thousands of private security guards across the country who patrol sites including theatres, nuclear plants and sports grounds. In fact, French law currently allows security guards to be armed “under certain conditions with the approval of the prefectures”, but in practice it is rare for prefectures to issue gun licences – a process the new legislation would make much easier.
The few private security guards who currently carry weapons include those charged with protecting the Charlie Hebdo offices, those working at some Parisian housing estates – who have been authorized to use batons and defence sprays – and those who escort vans carrying cash.
But after last year’s twin terrorist attacks in Paris authorities have looked at possibly making it easier for some security guards to have the right to carry guns.
The Ministry of Interior, the police, the Directorate of Civil Liberties and Legal Affairs (DLPAJ), the National Council of Private security activities (CNaPS), which has long called for security guards to be given the right to carry guns have been looking at the possibilities.
In France the national police and the gendarmes are armed but it is left to local authorities in towns and villages whether or not to arm the municipal police.
Currently only around 45 percent of the 3,900 municipal police carry weapons, but given the heightened terror alert and the changing nature of their role, the president wants that number increased.
