Can My Church Have a Security Team?

Pastor Keith is considering starting a security team at his church in response to recent events. While the decision is important, he must ensure that the process follows local laws, develops a clear security policy, and effectively recruits and trains volunteers. Here are the key steps he should take to establish a secure and legally compliant security team.

1. Check Local Laws and Regulations

• Purpose:
  Pastor Keith should ensure that the church complies with local and state laws regarding the formation and operation of a security team, particularly when firearms are involved.

• Action:
  Research licensing requirements for security teams, including any church-specific laws. For example, some states require special permits for armed security, or the church might need to register its team with local authorities.

2. Develop a Church Security Policy

• Purpose:
  Create a clear and comprehensive security policy to define the role of the security team and outline their responsibilities, procedures, and conduct.

• Components:
  Include policies on children's check-in procedures, emergency response protocols, how the team interacts with congregation members, and how to handle disruptive situations. This ensures consistency and preparedness across the team.

3. Create a Church Security Volunteer Application

• Purpose:
  Screen potential team members to ensure they are well-suited for the role.

• Contents:
  The application should include background checks, references, and details about the applicant's skills, experience, and training. For example, applicants should disclose any firearms training or previous security experience, which is especially important if firearms are allowed on the team.

4. Decide on Firearms Policy

• Consideration:
  Deciding whether to allow team members to carry firearms is a significant decision that impacts church safety.

• Best Practice:
  Consider recruiting off-duty or retired police officers from within the congregation due to their training and experience. If firearms are permitted, ensure that all members who carry are properly trained and licensed.

5. Provide Ongoing Training

• Importance:

  Training is essential for ensuring the security team is well-prepared to handle various situations, from medical emergencies to violent incidents.

• Training Topics:

  Include courses on medical emergency response, handling disruptive individuals, responding to severe weather alerts, and how to deal with active shooter scenarios. Ongoing training will ensure the team remains effective and adaptable to new challenges.

Steps to Implementing a Church Security Team

1. Identify Volunteers:
   Look for individuals with strong interpersonal skills, good judgment, and emotional stability. The ideal security volunteer should be calm under pressure and able to communicate effectively.

2. Recruitment Process:
   Conduct face-to-face interviews with applicants to evaluate their qualifications and temperament. Screen applicants thoroughly, including conducting background checks to ensure that each individual is suitable for the role.

3. Training Program:
   Regular training sessions are essential for preparing the team. Make sure training is mandatory and includes specific scenarios they may encounter in their role. Provide regular refreshers to keep the team’s skills up-to-date.

4. Deployment and Supervision:
   Start by pairing new volunteers with experienced team members to allow them to learn on the job. Assign a security leader to supervise the team and maintain order.

5. Management and Oversight:
   Maintain a schedule for team shifts and rotate members regularly to ensure everyone is up to date on procedures. Continue recruiting volunteers as needed, and regularly assess the team’s performance to ensure they remain prepared for emergencies.

Conclusion:

Establishing a church security team can greatly enhance safety within the congregation. Pastor Keith must follow legal requirements, develop comprehensive security policies, recruit and screen volunteers carefully, provide essential training, and thoughtfully consider firearms policies. By following these steps, Pastor Keith will ensure that the church's security team operates effectively, complies with legal standards, and contributes to the overall safety and well-being of the church community.