Church Security: Church Safety Teams
Churches have always been sanctuaries for the faithful, yet throughout history, they’ve also faced threats of violence, vandalism, and other forms of harm. From the Viking invasions of early English monasteries to contemporary incidents, these threats have persisted. In recent years, violence against churches has been on the rise. Consider these headlines:
- “Church Shootings Happen Often Enough That There’s a National Church Shooting Database” – Pacific Standard, June 19, 2015
- “Churches Boost Security as Violent Incidents Grow” – USA Today, July 7, 2013
- “Violent History: Attacks on Black Churches” – The New York Times, June 18, 2015
- “Violent Incidents at Churches Are Rising” – Christianity Today, June 7, 2016
Such incidents underscore the need to prioritize church safety and security. Since 1999, there have been over 1,500 deadly force incidents in U.S. churches, resulting in nearly 800 deaths and numerous injuries.
Types of Threats
Church safety encompasses both external and internal threats. External threats can include violence or vandalism, while internal threats may come from individuals within the congregation who intend harm. Vigilance is crucial to identify and mitigate these risks.
The Role of a Church Safety Team
A Church Safety Team consists of church members dedicated to ensuring the safety of the congregation. These teams play a crucial role in maintaining security, streamlining safety processes, improving visitor experiences, and addressing emergencies.
Ideally, safety teams consist of individuals with backgrounds in law enforcement, military service, or professional security, as their skills in access control, patrol techniques, emergency response, and perimeter security are invaluable.
Why Church Safety Teams are Needed To Enhance Church Security
Security consultant Carl Chinn’s research into church-related violence reveals a significant need for safety teams. His study found that between 2000 and 2017, over 1,500 deadly force incidents occurred in churches across the United States. These incidents were triggered by various factors, including domestic violence, personal conflicts, crime, religious bias, mental illness, and random acts of violence.
Structure and Organization
A Church Safety Ministry typically includes a Church Safety Committee, a Director of Church Safety and Security, and a Church Safety Team.
- Church Safety Committee: Develops policies and procedures, assesses risks, manages the safety budget, facilitates training, and acts as a liaison with church leadership.
- Director of Church Safety: Develops emergency response plans, manages the safety team, leads drills, and ensures compliance. The LockNow Safety App supports these tasks by providing tools for organizing safety plans and tracking team activities.
- Church Safety Team: Conducts safety inspections, participates in training, performs patrols, responds to emergencies, and monitors church facilities.
In the next post, we’ll explore how to build church safety teams that can better protect against human and natural threats and handle medical emergencies during worship or church events.