Armed Security: Concealed Carry vs. Open Carry vs. Unarmed

Armed — Concealed Carry

Pros

  • Maintains element of surprise — a threat actor cannot identify and target your armed team member first.
  • Reduces cultural friction in congregations sensitive to visible firearms.
  • Team members can observe and respond without being avoided or accommodated by a threat actor.
  • Flexible — can be disclosed to leadership while remaining covert to the general public.
  • Last-resort capability to stop an active threat when law enforcement cannot respond in time.

Cons

  • Requires discipline and ongoing training — an accidental incident undermines the posture entirely.
  • Requires appropriate concealment gear and regular weapon retention training.
  • If activated during an incident, arriving law enforcement cannot distinguish your carrier from the threat — requires a pre-arranged identification plan.
  • May require state licensing beyond a personal CCW in most jurisdictions — verify before assuming.
  • Significant insurance implications — review your policy before arming anyone.

Also Consider

  • How do your concealed carriers identify each other during an incident — especially to arriving law enforcement? Have a written plan. Brief local law enforcement on your program before you need them.
  • Establish a minimum training and qualification standard — and require annual re-qualification. Document it in writing.
  • Who on your leadership team is accountable if a concealed carrier uses force? Answer that question now, in writing, before an incident occurs.
  • Before arming anyone: consult your attorney, review your insurance policy, and establish a written use-of-force policy.

Armed — Open Carry

Pros

  • Strong visible deterrent — communicates armed presence to everyone in the room.
  • Attendees know exactly who to approach in an emergency.
  • Easier for law enforcement and first responders to identify your team during an incident.
  • Sets a clear organizational tone that security is taken seriously.
  • Last-resort capability to stop an active threat with equal force.

Cons

  • Creates a visible target — a bad actor can identify, avoid, or eliminate your armed team member first.
  • Can alarm visitors or congregation members not expecting visible firearms in a worship setting.
  • Higher cultural resistance in mainline, liturgical, or family-focused environments.
  • Same licensing requirements as concealed — an open carrier without proper credentials creates significant liability.
  • Legal liability for wrongful discharge or use of force is the organization’s, not just the individual’s.

Also Consider

  • Does the visual of a firearm match the tone you are trying to set? A tactical vest at Christmas Eve communicates something very different than a polo with a holster.
  • Brief your congregation in advance if you transition to open carry — surprises undermine trust.
  • Coordinate with local law enforcement so they know your team’s appearance and positioning before an incident occurs.
  • Consider a mix: open carry at entry points for deterrence, concealed carry in the sanctuary for flexibility.

Unarmed

Pros

  • No firearm liability — eliminates accidental discharge, wrongful use, and weapon retention risk.
  • Accessible in every state and jurisdiction without licensing complexity.
  • Larger volunteer or staff pool — no firearms licensing required.
  • Appropriate for the vast majority of organizations in stable, low-threat environments.
  • Lower insurance premiums in most frameworks — confirm with your carrier.

Cons

  • No capability to stop a lethal threat with equal force.
  • Team members are limited to de-escalation, evacuation, and calling 911.
  • Not a meaningful deterrent to a determined attacker with a weapon.
  • May not be sufficient for very large events, high-profile speakers, or elevated-threat environments.

Also Consider

  • Document the threat assessment that led to the decision to remain unarmed — and revisit it annually or after any incident.
  • An unarmed team can still be highly effective: trained in de-escalation, emergency communication, evacuation routes, and trauma first aid.
  • Consider whether unarmed is appropriate for all events — or whether specific high-risk events warrant a different temporary posture.
  • Have you evaluated off-duty law enforcement as an option for high-risk events? (See Guards vs. LEO)