How To Conduct A Church Security Assessment
Safety and Security Planning
for Places of Worship
UPDATE: Since I developed the document, How to Conduct a Safety and Security Assessment of a Place of Worship, it has been distributed on various sites including this one–and forwarded by many people to other congregations–to well over 5,000 places of worship of all sizes and in all settings. That is very gratifying!
I think one reason for the success of the document–a 95 page manual at this point–is that it presents a balanced view and is adaptable by any church. The price–FREE–is also good!
I’ve been asked several times about other information related to church security and I may develop something else. Time is the key factor, of course. But, if I do that, I’ll put a note on this site about it and let others know as well.
This is the original article I wrote about the document on assessing and it still is worthwhile to read.
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In the last week, since the tragic shooting death of a pastor in a Baptist church in Maryville, Illinois, I have received hundreds of requests for my material on the role of Greeters and Ushers in Church Security. (It puts the request for that document to over 3,000 on my site alone, and many other sites offer it as well. That’s an amazing story all its own.)
I’ve also received many requests to provide training or assistance about conducting assessments in places of worship. This morning I received three phone calls from media sources wanting to know about the consulting I do about church security. I’ve told them all the same thing: I make presentations and provide training about professional and organizational development, and I can help people develop and implement plans of any kind that will be effective. However, I don’t focus solely on church security planning as a business, although there are others who do. For example, Glen Evans is a trainer who has a very useful site at www.churchsecuritymember.com.
My message about security planning is always the same: The people who work in and use a facility are the best ones to assess it, and they can do it without hiring a consultant. It is true that they might need to use some resources to assist their efforts, and certainly an outsider provides some good perspectives. And, I’m not actively discouraging the idea of hiring a trainer or consultant. But, the important thing is to simply look at the church and its events and processes with the eyes of someone who might want to cause harm or create a problem, and consider how to keep that from happening and how to respond if it does happen. It is possible for anyone to do that, just as they can do it for their own homes–and they can probably do it better for their own homes than anyone else could do it.
I’m working, right this moment, on a document that will help church leaders and others effectively assess the safety and security of their places of worship and take action to make it more safe. When it is completed I’ll update this post and send it out to those who have requested the other document on greeters and ushers. In the meantime, those who are reading this can send a request for the new document and as soon as it’s done, I’ll send it. It’s free and I’m happy to provide the information.
In the meantime, I think it’s worthwhile to note that all the security planning in the world could not likely have prevented the situation in Maryville. That doesn’t mean security planning is futile, just that security planning doesn’t make people and places invulnerable. But, it can help limit the harm–as happened in Maryville through quick responses. And, effective planning can prevent crime, injury and disruption simply because of obvious preparedness.
Security planning can be as valuable as the plan, because it raises awareness and helps everyone realize their responsibilities.
Use the contact form to let me know if you want to be put on the list for the free document on how to assess the safety and security of a place of worship.
Ms. Rowe, I would like the material you are preparing now. You graciously sent us the material for our ushers last year and we review it often. It was our first step in becoming more alert and we are very glad we took that step.
I also enjoy your site with its blend of wit and wisdom. Thank you!
Jerome Parker
Senior Pastor
Gateway Church
Centralia
Comment by Jerome Parker | March 11, 2009
Hello and thank you for providing free material! I would like anything you have on the subject, since I have been given the job of writing a security plan and teaching key staff and church workers about it. Any help you can provide is very welcome. I can also send you my mailing address in a regular email if you need it. God Bless! Dan W. Sorenson
Comment by Dan Sorenson | March 14, 2009
I have the greeters and ushers document and hoped you would write something more. Put me on the list for anything else.
S.T. Riley
Comment by S.T. Riley | March 14, 2009
Tina says: I’ve already received many requests for new material and will be diligently working on that! Thanks to all of you for the contacts and comments.
In court security training, the National Sheriffs Association reminds us that court security must be systematic and systemic. (Organized and in every aspect of the operations.) The same concept applies to security for places of worship.
Every aspect of the facility, the processes and people involved are important and need to be made as safe and secure as possible. And, safety and security should be part of the thought processes of everyone involved in activities that take place at the church.
No open facilities can be made so secure that nothing can go wrong. But, the potential for harm can be lessened and effective responses can further help reduce injury and damage. That applies to natural disasters, mechanical failures, harm to the property, or violence.
When I get the security material developed, I’ll send it in PDF format to those requesting it. I’m keeping a list!
Comment by TLR | March 14, 2009
Ms. Rowe I would really appreciate your information on how to conduct a Church Security Assessment. I recently attended your “bold patrol” and was very impressed. Awesome speaker and presentor. Can’t wait for the material. Thank you.
Comment by Les Steveson | March 16, 2009
Tina says:
Thanks Les!The Bold Patrol class is one of my favorites! We all need to depart from our routine now and then, and that class is a departure for me! I’m trying to get the book done for that,too! I sent you an email and will put you on the list for the church security material.
Comment by TLR | March 18, 2009
As I have been given the task create a security plan for our church, I request the free document on how to assess the safety and security of a place of worship.
Thank you.
Curtis Bradley
Comment by Curtis Bradley | March 29, 2009
Tina,
I am not sure you remember me, but years ago I was the one (in response to your bald joke) sent my employee who had been sprayed by a skunk to your seminar at Denver health and Hospitals (Environmental Health Division).
I sent a request for your free doc. in an earlier e-mail before I recognized your name.
Curtis
Formerly Director of Denver Animal Control
Comment by Curtis Bradley | March 29, 2009
I was directed to your site by an article I read on policeone.com.
I am concerned, naturally, with the security of my own place of worship, and I would like to receive any information you can send me in this regard.
Many thanks,
Jeff Brown
Comment by Jeff Brown | April 9, 2009
Tina,
Thanks for the information you’ve developed on church security. I’ve downloaded your Ushers & Greeters document for our church security team.
As a result of developing our security, over the past 3 yrs, I’ve become passionate about sharing the need and the
“how-to” for church security to churches in my area.
How would you feel about me using the Users & Greeters document as the basis for (free) training for ushers and greeters in my local churches?
Thanks again for your work.
Comment by Ron George | April 15, 2009
Tina says:
Ron, I’ll be sending you an email, but wanted to respond here so others can see it. My material is freely available to copy for training or other purposes. I request that it not be changed to present a significantly different view of the topic, which is why I have a copyright on it. Other than that, it can be used as you want.
Thanks for the contact!
Comment by TLR | April 15, 2009
I have been give the task of creating a security plan for our church with a membership of 1000. I would request any free doucuments on how to assess the safey and secury of our church. Thank you
Comment by R.S. | April 16, 2009
Tina, thank you very much for your help. The information about church greeters and ushers is much more than I anticipated and much better than anything we had purchased. Please put me on your list for the security assessment material.
Thank you also for your kind help to our security team. They are just getting started and your willingness to share your knowledge has meant a lot to them.
You are in our prayers as you travel and keep your busy schedule.
Dave Sterner
Comment by Dave Sterner | April 25, 2009
I would like to have the Church Security Materials you have available. I have been given the task of “puting such a team together” and do not know where to start. Thanks.
Comment by Joseph Quales | April 27, 2009
My dear Tina,
I accessed your comments on church security through the Google Alert site which I suscribe to. My company is Coatland Safety and Security Consultancy Company, Nigeria Limited.
Church security has become a concern in the country especially in the last 10 years. Please send me the download of your work and let me see how we can enhance or indeed accelerate church security awareness in this part of the globe.
Tina, you are doing a great thing and I pray that the Lord will give great rewards here and in our final home: Heaven. Thank you.
Comment by Chris' Otulana | May 25, 2009
Hi Tina,
Its Glen from Church Security Alliance. I finally read your newest document, and I have got to say it is wonderfully done! A great primer for getting the security processes in gear. Once churches determine the weaknesses, they can implement the policies and procedures necessary to get it done. Your attention to detail and your generosity in allowing us to give it away FREE is really great.
Thanks,
Glen
Comment by Glen | July 22, 2009
I have been asked to present the Elders at my church with a proposal for beginning a security and safety assessment. Would you send me the document on how to assess the safety and security of a place of worship, please?
Thank you for your continuing work on this subject and thanks in advance for sending the document.
Comment by Thomas M Moody | August 3, 2009
Hi Tina
I was the first to download your free offer of How to Assess the Safety and Security of your place of worship. We have just completed our assessment and will present the findings to our Church Council for their information and action. I already know that our assessment team will be asked to develop a Security Plan as well as an Emergency Response Plan. Can you assist me in these two endeavors?
Respectfully
Jim
Comment by Jim Sexton | August 13, 2009
Tina says: Thanks Jim for contacting me again. I sent you an email with some cursory thoughts. That will probably be the next document I develop. Time is the key! Good luck with your work!
Comment by TLR | August 13, 2009
Wow! Your training at First Presbyterian in Golden wasn’t what I expected…it was even better! Thanks so much for your unselfish giving of your time and talents. I think you ought to bypass Oprah and get a show of your own!
Comment by K.M. | August 22, 2009
Ms. Tina,
Could you please send me a copy of you pdf. file on church security and safety. Thank you in advance and May God richly bless you and your family.
Comment by Tony M | September 4, 2009
Tina,
Any materials that you have that will help me to develop a security program I will greatly appreciate. I have recently retired from the FBI and have been requested to develop a security program for our home church of 1000. Thank you
Comment by Jerry Gangwer | September 23, 2009
Hello Tina Rowe
I have been asked to deliver training on the role of ushers and greeters and wanted to add in some aspect of security.
I was very glad to find your website, so if you could send me your document, it would be most helpful.
Thanks in advance
and may your ministry continue to positively impact the lives of others.
Sandra
Comment by Sandra | May 10, 2010