Church Security Planning | Step-by-Step Video Guide

Church Security Planning

In the wake of terrible active shooter (killer) events in recent history, churches are scrambling to increase security and develop security plans. The difficulty of course lies in HOW to increase church security without it effecting the overall mission of the church.

Step 1 | Introduction to Church Security

I am well aware that organizing a security team for a church can be a bit of an awkward endeavor. It’s not exactly something taught in seminary for sure! In this introductory video, John Lovell gives a church security plan overview and talks about security team mission, vision, and culture. Furthermore John discusses the theology for security (as he proudly proclaims himself an aspiring Bible nerd).

Step 2 | Building a Church Security Team

A team is only as good as the members in it, so it is very important that you pick the right people. Step 2 discusses organizational structure, team selection, the use of law enforcement, and team size. This video offers some very practical advice to keep security team members from getting burned out, and how to keep your team healthy so it doesn’t fizzle out.

Step 3 | Weapons Policy

Weapons may mean firearms or the use of non-lethals such as tasers. This topic is a tough one because church leadership must weigh liability issues, potential active killer scenarios, qualifications, state and local laws, and a whole host of other concerns. This video will help church leadership weigh out these important factors and it will suggest something of a media via.

Step 4 | Security Team Training

Do not think you can just grab a bunch of security-minded congregation members and say ‘WAH-LAH’ we have a team!! There are too many things that can go wrong, and like any successful organization, all teams require work, thought, and attention. Training should be required and should be thought of in terms of initial team training, on going team training, and individual training. Furthermore it is important to train non-security team staff with some important basics. This video will help craft a training overview for your team.

Step 5 | Security Team Plan for Times of Assembly

Step 5 details all the different security team positions and the role of each position. This step is essential for getting an overview of where everyone is during assembly times and what they are doing. Furthermore, this step lays the groundwork for certain team SOPs (standard operating procedures.

Step 6 | Risk Analysis, Threat Profiles, & Reporting

It is not enough to tell your church security team members to look for threats. Truly, team members need to constantly be learning of vulnerabilities, new risks, and past and present incidents. Also, it is paramount that the different types of threats are known so they can be quickly identified.

Step 7 | Communications Plan

A good communications plan should have at least primary and secondary means of communication. More advanced teams might include back up and contingency plans. This video discusses the use of radios, runners, projectors, and text messaging as means of communication.

Step 8 | Physical Security

Step 8 walks through the use of alarm systems, video cameras, safe rooms, door locks, and access control systems. Technology is not the only piece here, the human element must absolutely be accounted for.

Step 9 | Threats During Times of Assembly

A good security team needs to have already thought through different dangerous scenarios and planned out their responses. What should all the team members be doing in the event of a shooting? How should you react to a bomb threat? If the pastor is assaulted, what action should everyone take? It is important for teams to make SOPs that everyone understands and can act upon.

Step 10 | Sexual Predators

We are called to be as innocent as doves and as shrewd as serpents. This plan is a bit of a wake up call that sexual predators are everywhere and they can be very hard to identify. Get to know the warning signs. Educated staff. Make policies that provide accountability. Do background checks and research your local area.

Step 11 | Medical Plan

This video discusses what medical supplies you will need and will key in on the medical personnel you will want to include in your plan. This step should include everything from heart attacks to mass casualty terrorist attacks.

Step 12 | Church Evacuations & Video Series Conclusion

The final step of the series talks about how to handle evacuations. What happens when all the parents want to rush through the same doors to get their kids? You can imagine a disaster quickly snowballing. This video also contains the series conclussion.

Support the Warrior Poet Society

Shop Warrior Poet Apparel

Check out the Warrior Poet YouTube Channel