Do a search for “church security” and you’ll find lots of results that emphasize words like tactical, armor, strategy and intruder. 

Why? I assume it’s because most people believe that church security should primarily address the threat of an active shooter events. There’s no doubt that churches can be (and have been) victims of active shooter attacks, but it’s not the most likely security event to occur.

According to the Department of Justice, houses of worship were the target of 13 attacks from 2000- 2018. With over 350,000 Protestant churches alone in the United States (not counting Catholic churches, synagogues, mosques or temples), the data shows us that the likelihood of an active shooter attack at your church is very low. Does this mean we shouldn’t receive training or have guns in churches? Absolutely not! I’m an advocate for armed security programs when they are necessary.

However, church security programs need physical security programs. Physical security is just safeguarding critical assets, which are the people, etc.

Safeguarding includes gathering and processing information about your church. The following three components make up a comprehensive and effective church security program.

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Physical Security Assessments

Physical Security Assessments are detailed analysis of threats, current security posture, vulnerabilities, and counter measures to improve. The objective is to give a roadmap for your security program, procedural adherence, and standards. The physical security assessment assessor needs to have the following qualifications – experience in conducting PSAs, education, and certified/training (assessment methodology and ASIS PSP certified).

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Emergency Action Plans

Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a document that identifies the hazards/threats in your church, actions during emergencies, and includes training requirements for actions. The description is to give a roadmap for your security program, procedural adherence, and standards. The considerations need to have the following qualifications – experience in conducting PSAs, education, and certified/training (assessment methodology and ASIS PSP certified).

Watch the detailed video to learn more.

Physical Security Plans

Physical Security Plan is a strategy that outlines the measures and protocols that are designed to protect critical assets that is written and documented. The objective is to have requirements for your program, vetting/selection, and training. The elements are video cameras, radios, etc. that help.

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I specialize in the protection of people and facilities and provide security services including: Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), security assessments/plans, training and certification in CPR, AED, first aid, bleeding control, active shooter prevention and response, behavior threat detection, firearms and more. Contact me today by scheduling a call, emailing, or calling 615.956.3912.