{"id":577,"date":"2023-03-20T01:20:54","date_gmt":"2023-03-20T01:20:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/secure-family.net\/wp\/?p=577"},"modified":"2023-03-23T10:18:51","modified_gmt":"2023-03-23T10:18:51","slug":"putting-together-an-effective-church-security-safety-team","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/secure-family.net\/wp\/2023\/03\/20\/putting-together-an-effective-church-security-safety-team\/","title":{"rendered":"Putting Together An Effective Church Security & Safety team"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Putting Together An Effective Church Security & SafetyTeam<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Once upon a time, the lack of peace and safety church leaders worried about, mostly happened somewhere else; Now, the rise in deadly shootings and other crimes has visited churches. Church leaders of many houses of God are seeing their need to prepare for the unthinkable. The ranks of those who say It couldn t happen here have begun to shrink. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 declares that it is when men cry peace and safety
than sudden calamity brings destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Now, peace and safety has become a call to action. That s why Secure-Family.net is here today. Don t take church security lightly or it may be one of the last things you ever do.
For example:
Sept. 15, 1999 Church in Texas
\u2022 Over 150 teenagers at church singing hymns.
\u2022 Suspect entered and shot 14 people.
\u2022 Ended up killing 7 people and injuring another 7 before killing himself.
March 12, 2005 Church in Wisconsin
\u2022 Suspect opened fire on the congregation, killing 7 and wounding 4 before taking his own life.
\u2022 He was described by people that knew him as a normal guy with no warning signs.
Dec 9, 2007 Church in Colorado
\u2022 Suspect was asked to leave a youth center.
\u2022 Returned, opened fire killing 2 and injured 2.
2
\u2022 35 minutes later, he went to a church and killed 2 people.
March 8, 2009 Church in Illinois
\u2022 Suspect walks into the church and shoots the pastor dead, point blank.
\u2022 Several church members confronted the shooter with aggression and overpowered him.
March 31, 2013 Church in Ohio
\u2022 A suspect killed his father at the church.
\u2022 Afterward, he shouted about Allah and God.
\u2022 The suspect was later arrested by the police.
December 2019 West Freeway Church of Christ
\u2022 A gunman opened fire at 10am. in a Texas church on a Sunday, killing two people and injuring others before two “heroic” congregants shot and killed him at the scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


This is just some of the hundreds of examples where someone walks into a church and starts shooting or otherwise causing havoc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


The Mentality of a shooter
He will continue until stopped. Primary motive is revenge or other motives.
Hatred, domestic or marital issues, child custody dispute, congregation dispute, denied services, disappointment in leadership\u2019\u2019s decision, physical\/mental illness, financial trouble, or just mad at the world. Or it could simply be anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Are there pre-indicators?

Key Findings:
Unless person communicates their intent directly, Predicting an active shooter incident is difficult and even More difficult in large congregations.
Planning.
\u2022 The idea may brew for weeks or months
\u2022 Pre-implementation 2 days prior to the attack
\u2022 Higher risk on Sundays usually after church begins.
\u2022 Can happen anytime but mostly 8am to 2pm
Causes & Categories
\u2022 Difference’s of Religious Opinion\/Ideology
\u2022 Domestic Disputes
\u2022 Youth Issues
\u2022 Retribution
\u2022 Mental Illness
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Workplace violence
Prevention
\u201cThe best thing you can do to avoid injury and loss of life is prevent the attack in the first place.\u201d
\u201cWhen preventative measures fail, being caught without the means to defend yourself, even in a house of worship, is a mistake you might only get to make once.\u201d

\u201cKeeping Your Church Safe\u201d\u201d by Ron Aguiar
Dr. Don Boys says, \u201cChristians don\u2019t shoot to kill. Christians shoot to stay alive.\u201d

Considerations For an Effective Church Security Team
*1<\/strong>. Situational Awareness.<\/strong> (or knowing what is around you at all times) (Is. 21:6) \u201c\u201cSituational awareness\u201d\u201d can be defined as \u201c\u201cpaying attention to what is going on around you.\u201d\u201d Awareness is a choice. One has to choose to pay attention. Remember, never put yourself in a situation Sufficient & proper training of volunteers, with annual updates in\u2026
*you can\u2019\u2019t see your way out of<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Verbal de- escalation of conflict<\/strong> when dealing with disruptive persons ( How to approach a disruptive person without putting them instantly on guard, or triggering their flight or fight response.) (Prov. 15:1)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Unarmed or non-lethal de-escalation<\/strong> (take the perp. down with pepper spray, stun gun, physical force, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Armed engagement<\/strong> (using a last-ditch effort to save lives).<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  4. Side notes:
    *No one should be on a church security team without being properly trained in the 4 areas above .

    *Everyone on a church security team should be properly trained in the use of their weapon.
    *No one should be on a church security team If they are unwilling to use deadly force if necessary.
    Remember, security can be balanced with a warm, welcoming environment at your church by using friendly greeters while keeping an eye out for the unusual.<\/li>\n\n\n\n

  5. More Suggestions for Keeping The Church Safe
    \u2022 Security cameras with someone monitoring them at all times during services & events is strongly sugggested.
    \u2022 Physical random patrolling of the parking lot and grounds around the campus during services & events( No one person should do this alone. Security personnel should always work as a team effort.)
    \u2022 Two way radio communication is strongly suggested. (With The chief of security monitoring all transmissions.)
    \u2022 Work with local law enforcement, if possible, asking them to Periodically and randomly Patrol the parking lot During service times and special event time periods.
    \u2022 Develop a church security plan as part of the security policy. Then Create a manual outlining the policies & procedures of your security program and make sure everyone concerned reads and understands them.
    End Note:
    6
    \u201c
    \u201cIf any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.\u201d\u201d
    James 1:19 KJV
    www.Secure-Family.net
    Don Woolett
    (270)723-5184
    NOTE:
    Copyright 2020 Don Woolett\/Secure-Family.net. P.O Box 337, Hodgenville, Ky. 42748
    ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Duplication & Distribution without permission Prohibited. Thank You For faithfully Supporting This Ministry<\/li>\n\n\n\n
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