Recent incidents that involve security guards being assaulted have raised the question of whether they should be armed. Some experts say that with the crucial role they play, private security officers should have the peace of mind and necessary safeguards to carry out their jobs. Private security officers often represent the first semblance of order at a scene and their early intervention can help fight threats like terrorism, said Mr Muhammad Faizal Abdul Rahman, a research fellow of the Centre of Excellence for National Security at the RSIS.