PORTLAND, Ore. -- Port security officers say they want to be armed after one of their own was shot.

A security guard at Port of Portland Terminal 4 was shot in the leg while on patrol last week. Police conducted a large-scale search after the incident, but the shooter was never found.

The security officer wasn’t armed at the time of the shooting, according to protocol. Guards are not allowed to carry pepper spray or weapons of any kind.

“We’re not armed, we have no weapons of any type and we stop them just like a police officer would on the street and we say ‘What’s your purpose for being here?’” said David Vale, a union representative. “If these people have a weapon or handgun, then it could potentially be deadly.”

Since 9-11, port security officers said their duties have increased and become far more dangerous. Those duties include searching cars for explosives and boarding ships with customs officials.

The Port of Portland security officers are currently in contract negotiations and a strike is possible.

In addition to compensation, they said safety on the job is a major concern.

For more on this story, pick up today’s Portland Tribune newspaper.