Getting Your Church Security Program Off The Ground

As you pick up momentum, and team members are added, you can accomplish more with less time.

Who do I talk to?
Starting with your pastor and leadership team and seeking outside assistance from your local police department is a good idea. After that you will need to choose your team members, and train them to a level of proficiency.

What equipment do we need?

Radios, flashlights, weapons, training - this is just the start.

How do I get trained?

Joining an online alliance like churchsecuritymember is a good place to pick up basic information on church security. Additionally, seeking the advice of security minded police officers and community helpers will assist you in determining the best way to fulfill your responsibilities as a church security operative.

How do I convince church management that we need a team?

Point to all the recent church violence incidents. However, it is important to realize churches face threats that are much less dramatic. Domestic violence, thefts, con men, robbers, and assaults are more likely than a high profile shooting, so it is important to have a plan.

You NEED a plan of action.

The results of your efforts will be dramatically affected by your planning, and if you plan incorrectly the results can reflect poorly on your church, pastor, and membership.

The following list of action items will provide a framework to start implementing your churches safety team.

The Task List

1. Evaluation church risk.
2. Developing a written plan to present to the Pastors and Board for getting their support
3. Finding the team (It may require some investment)
4. Establishing a Team Policy Handbook – Procedures and Responses
5. Selection Security Team Members (STM).
6. Training of Team Members – Policy/Procedures.
7. Selection of Equipment – Radios, Flashlights, Team Identification ( Shirts, Name plates, Etc), Firearms, ASP, OC, Etc.
8. Establishing incident reports, report logs, etc.
9. Announcing the team to the members without causing panic – (Why does the Church need a Security Team?)
10. Building relationships with the local Police and Fire Departments
11. Maintaining the ST without burning out the members – (Staff so you and they don’t work every weekend)
12. Requiring in service training to maintain an edge
13. Understanding that you are NOT Police Officers
14. The time frame for initial and total implementation of the Team
15. Creating the Bond of Christian Men in the team

Congratulations on making the choice to investigate the viability of starting Safety/Security Ministry at your church. Welcome to the ranks of the "Church Sheepdogs" . You will find a wealth of information, policies, training videos and articles here to assist you on your journey.

Jack Justice is a former police officer and co-founder of Church Security Allince and church security director at his church in Dayton, OH. He provides church security and safety training for laypersons interested in protecting their church

Published Articles: http://www.rhinoarticles.com/

By: J Justice

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