Exec gives workers a different insurance policy: A handgun

The Judge is capable of firing .410 shotgun shells or .45-caliber bullets. (Photo courtesy of Taurus International Manufacturing Inc.)

Credit: Taurus International

Credit: Taurus International

The Judge is capable of firing .410 shotgun shells or .45-caliber bullets. (Photo courtesy of Taurus International Manufacturing Inc.)

“I have an issue with thugs. I want to make sure my family and my employees are protected.”

That's Lance Toland, a Georgia insurance executive who has outfitted all 12 of his employees with a handgun. And not just any handgun. Toland's workers are packing the Judge, which fires either a .45-caliber slug or a .410 shotgun shell.

"It's a hand cannon," says Toland.

He told his workers that if they'd take firearms training and obtain a Georgia carry permit, he'd supply all of them with guns. They did, and he did, and now Toland's offices in Atlanta, Griffin and St. Simons Island are armed and ready.

Can an employer require that his workers be armed at the office?