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Encyclopedia entry

Penal Code 25850 (Carrying a Loaded Firearm)

Prohibits carrying a loaded firearm in public places absent a specific exception or valid license.

Penal Code section 25850 generally prohibits carrying a loaded firearm on one's person or in a vehicle in any public place or public street in an incorporated city, or in any prohibited area of an unincorporated territory, unless a specific statutory exception applies. Licensed armed security guards who meet separate BSIS firearm-permit requirements can fall within recognized exceptions when acting within the scope of their authorized duties.

Armed security posts — common at certain high-risk retail, cash-handling, or industrial sites — require officers to hold a valid firearm qualification card in addition to their guard registration, and employers must ensure the specific post and carry method are authorized. An unarmed guard carrying a firearm without the proper permits would squarely violate this statute regardless of good intentions.

Officers authorized to carry firearms remain bound by the same objectively-reasonable use-of-force standards as any other force option, and firearm use is subject to the most serious scrutiny of any security response; policies should require extensive additional training beyond the baseline BSIS firearm permit. Improper storage, transport, or display of a firearm off the authorized post can independently violate this and related statutes.

Firearm regulation is one of the most frequently litigated and amended areas of California law; verify current statutory text and BSIS firearm permit requirements before relying on this summary for any operational decision.

Related entries

BSIS (Bureau of Security and Investigative Services)The California state agency, under the Department of Consumer Affairs, that licenses and regulates private security companies and guards.Use of Force (Private Security Standard)The general reasonable-force standard that governs a private security officer, distinct from any police use-of-force policy.Officer Training (BSIS-Mandated)The pre-assignment and ongoing training hours BSIS requires for registered security guards.Guard Card (Security Guard Registration)The individual BSIS registration required for most people working as a private security guard in California.

Official sources

  1. [1]Cal. Penal Code § 25850California Legislative Information
  2. [2]BSIS Firearm Permit InformationCalifornia Bureau of Security and Investigative Services

Links point to the publishing agency or the California Legislative Information text. Government pages are reorganized periodically — if a link moves, search the code section or agency name at the official site.

Back to the A–Z encyclopedia

General industry and regulatory usage — not legal advice, and not an endorsement by BSIS, the Department of Consumer Affairs, or any law-enforcement agency. Statutes, regulations, and local ordinances change; verify current text at the official government source or with your attorney.

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