Security Against Shooters
Andrew G. Mills
July 1, 2007
Churches are notorious for minimal security. While acts of violence at church are rare, recent shootings raise the question: what can leaders do to protect their people?
Work with local police
Learn their plans and capabilities. Most police agencies have adopted an "active shooter" philosophy. This means moving in quickly and removing a threat with lethal force, even before an organized evacuation or the arrival of negotiators.
Police may want a survey of your facility, including:
- Blueprints and photos (digital or hard copy) of every room in the church to guide officers to secure the building.
- Emergency contact information for the pastor, property manager, and members of the church crisis-response team.
- Keys to outside and classroom doors.
- Shutoff points for gas, water, and electricity.
- Any knowledge of existing threats, including anyone against whom the church or a member has a restraining order.
Prevention
Situational crime expert Ronald Clarke coined these steps for avoiding an active-shooter incident:
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Increase early identification. A person with a gun drawn is an obvious threat. But attitude or body language can also suggest a threat. Greeters or church staff should extend a personal greeting to anyone who looks suspicious.
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Reduce provocation. Train ushers to deny access, firmly but respectfully, to people who are unstable, agitated, angry, or intoxicated.
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Limit access. A shooter will likely arrive after the service begins. Close sanctuary doors once a service begins and train ushers to meet late-comers and guide them to designated seating areas.
Lockdown
At times a lockdown may be the best way to protect the congregation. During a lockdown, certain areas of the church are required to shut, lock, and barricade their doors until ...
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