Houses of Worship Security Training - Part II

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 #2

1.     Communication:

•      Establish clear communication channels within the organization.

•      Train staff on how to effectively communicate during emergencies, including using two-way radios or other communication tools.

2.     Conflict Resolution:

•      Provide conflict resolution training to staff and volunteers to help de-escalate situations before they escalate into violence.

•      Encourage a calm and respectful approach when dealing with disruptive individuals.

3.     Collaboration with Law Enforcement:

•      Foster a relationship with local law enforcement agencies.

•      Train staff on how to interact with law enforcement during emergencies and coordinate responses.

Securepoint is a company that believes in making free speech safe. We can provide security 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.