Houses of Worship Security Training - Part III
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 #3
1. First Aid and Medical Training:
• Provide basic first aid and medical training to staff and volunteers.
• Ensure that there are designated individuals who are trained to respond to medical emergencies.
2. Community Engagement:
• Involve the community in security efforts and encourage members to be vigilant.
• Establish a system for reporting suspicious activity and ensure that information is communicated promptly to the appropriate authorities.
3. Crisis Communication:
• Develop a crisis communication plan to manage information and updates during an incident.
• Train designated spokespersons on how to communicate effectively with the congregation, media, and the public.
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 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.
