Houses of Worship Security Training - Part I

by John Daniels

Chief Security Officer, Securepoint

When I think about the most memorable events that I have attended in my lifetime, many of those gatherings have taken place in a house of worship. Rites of passage such as marriages, baptisms, funerals, etc. are likely to be held in a location where people practice their religious faith. While I instinctively practice vigilance and situational awareness in public places, many people do not. If there was an emergency or crisis event at your house of worship, are you confident that the staff at the venue is trained and capable of responding in a manner that would ensure the safety of congregants, staff, and visitors? More than ever before, house of worship security training is critically important.

Periodically, we will share best practices from our internal playbook and resources.

Here are some considerations when developing a security training program for your house of worship:

Securepoint Tip Sheet #1

1.     Risk Assessment:

•      Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities and security threats specific to your house of worship.

•      Consider factors such as location, size, community demographics, and any previous incidents.

2.     Emergency Procedures:

•      Develop and communicate clear emergency procedures for various scenarios, including natural disasters, medical emergencies, and security threats.

•      Conduct regular drills to ensure that staff and volunteers are familiar with the procedures and can respond effectively.

3.     Access Control:

•      Implement access control measures to regulate entry to the premises.

•      Train staff to verify the identity of individuals entering the facility and to be vigilant for suspicious behavior.

4.     Surveillance and Technology:

•      Provide training on the use of surveillance systems, alarm systems, and other security technologies.

•      Ensure that staff members are familiar with how to operate and respond to alerts from these systems.

Remember to tailor the training program to the specific needs and characteristics of your house of worship. Regularly review and update the training to address new challenges and changing circumstances. Additionally, seek guidance from security professionals or local law enforcement to enhance the effectiveness of your security measures.

Securepoint is a company that believes in making free speech safe. We can provide solutions for your organization and your people. For more information, please see our website, www.securepoint.tech, or contact Claudia Haase at claudia@securepoint.tech or +1 (646) 458 1423.