Written by Troy A. Blades, President, Safe and Secure Enterprises, Inc.
Now that you have created a Church Security Response Team, what next?
Taking the first step in preparing your congregation for emergencies, including violence by creating a security team is the hardest part. Now that you have volunteers, what’s next?
Who is in charge?
As in any team, you need a coach, a leader or captain. This individual will be the person that has the primary responsibility of planning and scheduling meetings and “leading” the security team. Making sure there is a leader to provide direction and report out to the board, the pastor, or the general congregation is important. Of course, bringing in the board, the Pastor and other leaders is very important, but having a team leader with a chain of command within the security team is a must. This person must have some type of training, experience of running a team and have the respect of the other volunteers as well as a personality that allows the team to grow. Remember, this team is voluntary. Supporting and retaining volunteers is one of the leader’s most important responsibilities.
We have people at the doors so are we safe and secure?
Team members at the doors can welcome visitors, notice concerning behavior, and alert others early. A visible weapon or an immediate threat calls for emergency help; a person who seems distressed may need calm assistance from someone trained for that role. Appearance, unfamiliarity, or a bag alone does not establish that someone is dangerous. Agree in advance who communicates, who calls 911, and how people get to safety. Volunteers should not improvise searches, detention, or physical removal.
What are you training for and how are you doing it?
Walk through the building and grounds together. Identify blocked exits, lighting concerns, trip hazards, and gaps in communication. Set assignments, agree how coverage is handed over, and practice the church’s procedures. A volunteer assigned to greet visitors may also have another responsibility; make sure the plan accounts for those competing demands.
Hopefully I have provided some high-level thoughts for your church security team to consider. If you want a second opinion on your plans or need support to understand how your team responds, contact us.
Stay SAFE AND SECURE!
From the SSEI article archive.