| Many church administrators do not see the need | | | | - Create a security or safety committee. Many |
| for a church security system. They sometimes | | | | times there will be a member with security |
| feel that a security system does not belong in a | | | | background that can volunteer their time. |
| church environment and that such a system | | | | - Develop an emergency plan that covers not |
| would convey the wrong message to the | | | | only dealing with dangerous intruders but also |
| parishioners. Unfortunately, violence and theft in | | | | natural disasters that may occur. This plan should |
| churches and synagogues are becoming more and | | | | be reviewed and tested periodically. |
| more prevalent in today's world. | | | | - Money and valuable items should be secured and |
| Church Security does not Have to Convey | | | | listed for insurance purposes. |
| Distrust | | | | - Hire a professional security consultant to review |
| A properly installed church security system will | | | | your particular needs. Some security hardware will |
| not impair the feeling of openness and trust that | | | | need to be acquired, but substantial savings can |
| most congregations wish to convey. Church | | | | be realized by carefully planning and designing your |
| security is as much about awareness and being | | | | church security system before you buy. You |
| prepared for the unexpected as it is about | | | | must consider all the uses of the facility. Many |
| intrusive video surveillance and intrusion detection | | | | churches provide a weekly daycare center as well |
| equipment. | | | | as outside playground areas that will need to be |
| There are many things church leaders can do to | | | | monitored. If your church is used for a |
| create a safe environment for the church | | | | community meeting facility for a variety of |
| members | | | | organizations, some form of intrusion detection |
| - Theft and vandalism can be reduced by | | | | and access control might be a necessity. |
| eliminating landscaping that blocks the view of the | | | | Video Surveillance can Serve a Dual Purpose |
| church. | | | | Some churches with sizeable congregations have |
| - Providing sufficient outdoor lighting. | | | | been able to utilize their video surveillance |
| - Greeters and ushers should have training to | | | | equipment to provide video streaming of their |
| recognize suspicious situations or persons. | | | | services on the internet. This is something that |
| - Children should be monitored closely and only | | | | can enhance the return on your investment for a |
| released to parents or authorized persons. | | | | security system. Be sure and check with your |
| - A complete and thorough background check or | | | | insurance company to determine what savings |
| references must be available on all employees and | | | | you might receive by installing a security system |
| volunteers. This is of special concern for | | | | in your church or synagogue. |
| volunteers who work with children. | | | | |