Protecting Places of Worship: A Guide to Security in Religious Organizations [Checklist Included]
Religious organizations, including churches, mosques, synagogues and temples, play a vital role in communities. However, places of worship can face unique security challenges that require a comprehensive approach to help ensure the safety of congregants and the protection of property. This guide provides detailed strategies and best practices for enhancing security at religious organizations.
Understanding the Threats Places of Worship Face
Religious organizations can be targets for various types of threats, including the following:
- Physical Attacks: Vandalism, arson, bombings and active shooter incidents.
- Cyber Threats: Hacking, ransomware and data breaches.
- Internal Threats: Insider threats from disgruntled employees or volunteers.
- Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, floods and other natural events.
Security at religious organizations requires a proactive and comprehensive approach. By integrating security measures, conducting regular assessments, and engaging with the community, religious organizations can create a safer environment for their congregants.
How to Develop a Holistic Security Strategy for Your Religious Organization
A comprehensive approach to security involves integrating physical, cyber and personal security measures. Below are some key components:
- Risk Assessment
- Conduct a comprehensive vulnerability assessment to identify potential threats and weaknesses. Use a tool to help complete this assessment, such as the Risk Assessment found within this Change Management Checklist from Great American Loss Control.
- Evaluate the physical layout, access points and existing security measures. Learn more about premises security in this article from Great American Loss Control.
- Engage with local law enforcement to conduct a “security vulnerability assessment” of the buildings and grounds.
- Physical Security Measures
- Perimeter Security:
- Install fencing, gates and surveillance cameras around the property.
- Consider installing bollard protection for entrances.
- Ensure exterior doors are self-closing and locked from the outside.
- Ensure all entrances are monitored by the following:
- Staff
- Cameras
- Metal detectors
- Parking lots:
- Parking lots are the first line of on-site defense.
- Ensure parking lots are monitored by staff and cameras.
- Ensure the parking lot is well-lit during sundown.
- Identify vehicles that have been unattended for some time.
- Access Control:
- Use key card systems, biometric scanners and visitor logs to control entry.
- Lighting:
- Ensure adequate lighting around the premises to deter criminal activity.
- Safe Rooms:
- Consider establishing safe rooms in the building for people to seek refuge in.
- Ensure the safe rooms can be locked from the inside.
- Post lockdown instructions, important phone numbers, and the building address inside the safe room.
- Install a telephone in the room.
- Formal Security Team:
- Employ trained security guards or volunteers to monitor the property during events.
- Ensure that members’ roles, responsibilities and expectations are clearly defined.
- Ensure members are regularly trained on the following:
- De-escalation techniques
- Emergency response protocols
- Firearms competency if the team is armed
- Cybersecurity Measures
- Network Security:
- Implement firewalls, antivirus software and regular system updates.
- Data Protection: Use encryption and secure backups for sensitive information.
- Training:
- Educate staff and volunteers on recognizing phishing attempts and other cyber threats.
- Incident Response Plan:
- Develop a plan for responding to cyber incidents, including data breaches and ransomware attacks.
- Emergency Preparedness
- Violence Prevention Program:
- Develop a program for how your organization will help prevent violence
- Emergency Plans:
- Create and regularly update emergency response plans for various scenarios, including active shooter situations, fires and natural disasters.
- Coordinate responses from local law enforcement and other first responders as part of a predetermined response plan that lays out staging areas, triage areas and communication measures.
- Include the creation of well-documented plans for evacuation, lockdown and emergency response procedures.
- Drills and Training:
- Conduct regular drills and training sessions for staff, volunteers and congregants.
- Communication:
- Establish clear communication channels for alerting authorities and congregants during emergencies.
- Community Engagement
- Building Relationships:
- Foster strong relationships with local law enforcement, emergency services, and neighboring organizations.
- Awareness Programs:
- Implement programs to raise awareness about security issues among congregants.
- Reporting Mechanisms:
- Encourage the community to report suspicious activities and potential threats.
- Insider Threat Management
- Background Checks:
- Conduct thorough background checks on employees and volunteers.
- Monitoring:
- Implement monitoring systems to detect unusual behavior or activities.
- Support Systems:
- Provide support and resources for staff and volunteers to address personal or professional issues that could lead to insider threats.
- Training Programs: DHS provides training on risk assessment, crisis management and developing security plans.
- Protective Security Advisors: These advisors offer guidance and support to enhance the security of religious institutions.
- Security Planning: Developing and implementing effective security plans.
- Courses on Emergency Planning: These courses cover developing emergency operations plans, conducting exercises, and other helpful topics.
- Online Training: FEMA offers free online courses that can be accessed by religious organizations to improve their preparedness.
- Risk Assessment Tools: Tools to help identify and mitigate potential threats.
- Security Improvement Recommendations: Guidance on implementing physical and cybersecurity measures.
- Safety Programs: Resources to help develop tailored safety programs.
- On-Site Training: Assistance in identifying specific vulnerabilities and responding to emergencies.
Download Our Security Assessment Checklist for Religious Organizations
Our checklist offers a thorough framework for evaluating and improving security at religious organizations. By conducting regular reviews and updates, you can help stay ahead of evolving threats and help ensure the safety and well-being of all congregants.
Additional Resources
Below are some valuable governmental training resources for security teams at religious organizations:
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
The DHS offers a variety of resources tailored to faith-based organizations, including the following:
Below is a link to find Homeland Security and emergency services resources in your state:
State Homeland Security and Emergency Services | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA provides training and resources through its Emergency Management Institute (EMI), including the following:
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
CISA offers a comprehensive guide for houses of worship, which includes the following:
National Center for Life and Liberty (NCLL)
NCLL offers training materials and seminars specifically designed for church security, including the following:
These resources can help religious organizations enhance their security measures and ensure a safer environment for their congregants. For more specific information or assistance, you can reach out to these agencies directly.
