SAN DIEGO -- Several transit security officers have come forward and talked to 10News about the lack of training they received.

In the last two weeks, three transit security officers were attacked, with one officer shot.

Two officers 10News' Mitch Blacher spoke to said many officers who carry guns are not trained to handle critical situations.

Onboard the San Diego trolley, security personnel are armed with firepower to protect the public, but those who have worked the job said there is one problem.

"A lot of the guys don't get the training because they don't have the money," said one former trolley security officer, who asked to remain anonymous.

He said after working for Heritage Security, the company supplying the Metropolitan Transit System with officers, he knows many are not trained.

"Heritage is not providing that type of job-specific training," said the ex-officer.

"Is that dangerous?" asked Blacher.

"It is dangerous for the officers, yes, and to some extent the public," said the officer. "Getting to carry a weapon in California is just a test away. Part of that test is to hit a target the size and distance of this trash can 40 out of 50 times."

The officer passed that test, but he said the three recent incidents involving transit security proved those officers have not been trained.

On July 18, a guard was shot twice and had his gun stolen.

On July 16, an officer was attacked and had his gun stolen at an Encanto station.

Last Sunday, a drunken man attacked an officer and attempted to steal his gun, police said.

"I don't think the officers that got mugged or robbed were trained," said the former officer.

10News asked Robb Schupp with the MTS for a copy of the contract between Heritage Security and the MTS.

He said it would take up to 10 days and that if there was specific information needed, Heritage Security would be the party to contact.

Schupp said, "They are a very professional organization. They do extensive training with all their employees."

Heritage Security's president told 10News their officers get 164 hours of training.

"I don't think they have enough time to train their officers 160-plus hours on top of what's required by the state. It would cost a lot of money and they're too short-staffed for that," said the ex-officer.

MTS officials did not inform 10News how much the MTS pays for security or what is expected from security guards, as all information is in the contract.