Sexual Abuse in Church - Part 2

From: Carl Chinn - "Think About It" (reposted with permission)

NOTE: With last week’s news out of Penn State University, a lot of media attention has gone once again to the Catholic Church. As a non-Catholic, I once again reject the notion that this issue of sexual abuse is a Catholic problem. I am keeping this important subject posted for another week with another story from this past week, plus some additional bullet points.

The additional bullet points were offered by my good friend Vic Meyer out of Tulsa, OK. Vic has served a security role in church for many years, and has been baptized by fire into the subject of sexual abuse in a church. I know of nobody else who has walked through that fire like Vic, and he has come through it with lessons learned for all of us.

Vic Meyer adds the following. As I read his comments, I thought of the Penn State fiasco. How different it would have been for them if they had followed these three simple bullets at the very first hint of trouble. Take note;

· Successful child predators operating in spiritual settings could not operate without the absolute trust of those who surround them. Trusting friends and co-workers are necessary cogs in the gears that make the predator successful. Those friends and co-workers will be required to give them a pass on policy infractions, dismiss troublesome details, think the best when suspicion is in order and defend when the victim accuses.

· The process of gaining trust is called “grooming” and involves everyone who could stop the predator. The predator counts on those groomed to find the crime so repugnant that they refuse to believe either the victim or the evidence. For that reason the predator will always be among the most faithful and trusted.

· There is nothing romantic or consensual about adult on child personal/sexual relationships. It is a crime. Always involve the authorities and eliminate the “groomed effect” from your in-house inquiries by selecting people with no relationships to the accused.

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On Thursday 11/10, news came out of Corpus Christi, TX that the pastor -- related to the victims through marriage -- had sexually assaulted teens at his church. Jose Humberto Herrera (now 58-years old) had pastored the Iglesia Bautista Buen Pastor (The Good Shepherd Baptist) Church in Alice for 10 years. During that time, 2 teenage girls and their brother worked at odd jobs around the church.

Herrera has admitted to the abuse of the girls, and denied abusing the boy. The girls were 15 and 16 at the time of the assaults. The victims were his step-grandchildren. He is charged with all three crimes.

Man with AK-47 Runs Towards Church

I received a lead on this story today from one of our readers in Florida. (Thanks Matt)

I would ask the question, "What would you do" if this happened at your church next Sunday?


From: Fox40

{AUBURN—A church in Auburn was locked down during a Sunday evening service because a man who stole an AK-47 was hiding nearby.

Just after 4 p.m. the parishioners at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church were told to stay inside and lock their doors. Placer County Sheriff’s Deputies say a man stole an AK-47 gun, a small amount of medical marijuana and some cash from a home he was staying at in Auburn. The man, identified as Ryan Thomas Bailey, then ran toward St. Teresa.}

Click for Link

Fighting Sexual Abuse in Church

In light of Carl's article that was posted yesterday on "Sexual Abuse in Church" I wanted to take a moment and highlight a few things related to the topic over the next couple of days. 


The first item I want to address is my version of the "Rule of Two". Carl referenced the "Rule of Two" from the Boy Scouts of America Code of Conduct. To the best of my knowledge prior to his article I had never read this Code of Conduct, even though I use to be a Boy Scott... After reading it I thought that the Boy Scouts version had several good principles that can be used when conducting church outings. There are a few items that I think we should add to it when considering our local church.


Whenever you are considering activities with a minor you should always have two adults present at all times. This rule is to both protect the minor as well as the adults. If a second adult is present it may take away the opportunity that someone may have to attempt to conduct inappropriate conversations or actions. This action will serve in protecting the minors. In the event that a minor was to lie about a situation the second adults presence would serve as a witness to what did or did not occur. There are countless documented cases that resulted in a he said, she said scenario. Normally the courts tend to favor the minor unless there is extensive documented evidence that shows the minor to be lying. By setting up the situation in the first place to prevent the claim from even occurring will serve in protecting the adults. 


If possible it is always a good idea to have two adults that are unrelated. I understand that finding volunteers to assist with child care can often be challenging; however, the testimony of two unrelated adults can go a lot further then a husband and wife's testimony. I encourage the same principle when it comes to counting and transporting the churches tithes and offerings. There is more accountability from unrelated individuals. 


Sensitive Times...


Always have two adults of the same sex present during bathroom breaks. Some times this can be accomplished by having regular scheduled bathroom breaks and combining different classes to increase the number of adults present. Avoid situations that can be compromising.


Have two adults present while teaching Sunday school classes or providing child care. 


Have two adults present during sporting events or church outings. 


Have two adults present during drama practices or choir rehearsals. 


Do you have any idea's to add to this list? Please leave a comment and let our readers know your thoughts. 

Sexual Abuse in Church - Carl Chinn - "Think About It"

Reposed with Permission from www.carlchinn.com


Posted 11/6/11 From Carl Chinn - "Think About It"

There has been nothing unusual about sexual abuse in churches in recent days. As usual, there have been a lot of awful stories to read.

On Friday, 11/4, news came out of Cypress, TX that a 32-year old youth pastor was arrested for having sexual relations with a 16-year old girl in the youth group.  This happened in a very good evangelical church, led by a sincere pastor credentialed in Psychology, Religion and Christian Counseling and well known for his effective international conferences on marriage and family dynamics.

Yet under that canopy, 32-year old Chad Foster was unwittingly brought in as a youth pastor for the Community of Faith Church. Within a few months of that appointment, he took advantage of a 16-year old girl. What started as talking and texting, eventually ended in Foster’s home where he and the girl had sex a number of times.

On Thursday, 11/3, news came out of Murrieta, CA that the 41-year old founder and pastor of a church was arrested for having sexual relations with a 15-year old girl he had started counseling in 2008. A little math would indicate she was 12 or 13-years old when some kind of relationship began. The girl and her mother had come to the church for help, after coming out of a domestic violence past. The church had taken them in, and even given the mother a job for a season.

But the mother had grown uncomfortable with the amount of time pastor Matthias Anderson  of New Wine Ministries was spending with her daughter, and left the church. She had recently discovered e-mails that suggested the two were continuing to see each other, and was finally able to get her daughter to admit they had been engaging in sex for some years.

On Wednesday, 11/2, news came out of Marengo, IL that a 39-year old youth minister was arrested in an on-line underage sex sting.  Marengo First Assembly of God youth minister Barry Caudle thought he was having internet conversations with a 14-year old girl interested in sex with him, but it was actually an undercover law enforcement sting operation to catch pedophile activity.

When the married man continued communication with this girl, he crossed the line of “grooming and unlawful luring of a minor” which resulted in his arrest which stunned the church leadership.  

On Wednesday, 10/26, news came out of Logan, OH that a 30-year old youth pastor was arrested for having sex with a 13-year old girl in his youth group This time it occurred in the Logan Church of the Nazarene where Travis Branstetter served as Youth Pastor. As such he became interested in the young girl, and would take her hunting with him. At some point those woodland expeditions led to sex.

When investigators did finally get the girl to admit to what was happening, she detailed approximately 10 sexual encounters with her youth pastor.

THINK ABOUT IT …

·         All of these children thought they were in a loving consensual relationship. Those who took advantage of their vulnerabilities and trust were filthy predators engaging in gross pedophilia. There is a reason “consensual” is irrelevant under the age of 16.

·         Churches of all faiths need to step up leadership selection, management and accountability procedures in light of this serious issue. In most of the stories in this category I have read through the years, the issue of negligence on the part of the church was easy to establish by the prosecution.

·         This subject has been viewed as a “Catholic problem” by many. I did not choose a week on purpose that had no Catholic stories. It isn’t hard to find news stories of all faiths –Mormon, Islamic, Catholic, Amish, Jewish, and Protestant – no faith is free of such vial sexual activity.

·         The U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops now leads the charge in battling this issue. They have published the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, and update that document as needed. It is an excellent template for any faith taking this issue seriously. Even if you are Protestant like me, please read this document. It is a profound model developed through painful experience, and can be easily edited to fit any faith. I hope other faiths can be more proactive and avoid adding to this tragic list of victims.

·         Become familiar with Boy Scouts of America, Codes of Conduct. There are many applicable models for a church in there as well (see especially article IV, items 10: “the 2 deep rule” & 11: “the rule of 3”)

·         The next TAI will be about youth training. It was written in part due to this serious issue of sexual abuse in church.

High School Coach Dies In Unsanctioned Church Boxing Match

From: ABC News

{The family of a former University of Tulsa football player is suing the church where 24-year-old George Clinkscale III died during an unsanctioned boxing match. He left behind a 2-year-old daughter and a fiancée, who gave birth to his second child two weeks ago...The family is seeking at least $75,000 in damages from the church and two of the pastors, Bill Scheer and wife Sandra.}
Click for Article

Security Lesson: Don't have unsanctioned boxing matches at your church....

Notice: National Test of the Nationwide Emergency Alert System

National Test of the Nationwide Emergency Alert System

On Wednesday, November 9, 2011, FEMA, DHS and FCC will conduct the first national test of the Nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) test. This nationwide test will kick off at 2 pm (EST) and run concurrently across all time zones.

This system test is the first of its kind designed to broadcast a nationwide message to the American public. In the history of the country, nothing like it has been conducted on such a level. As you may be aware, there have been tests in the past, but not of this magnitude encompassing all regions of the Nation simultaneously. The three (3) minute test will run concurrently on all radio and TV band stations exceeding the previous messages broadcast which were anywhere from a 30 second to 1 minute message.

There is great concern in local police and emergency management circles about undue public anxiety over this test. The test message on TV might not indicate that it is just a test. Fear is that the lack of an explanation regarding the message might create panic. Please share this information with your family and friends so they are aware of the test.

FEMAs website provides more information regarding this test: http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm

DHS Grant Funding Information

I received an email today asking for information regarding federal grants for churches. In my experience it has been hard for churches to receive federal grants; however, below is some information directly from the DHS website on the topic. There is no guarantee that 2012 funding will follow the same guidelines. 

From: http://www.dhs.gov/xbsnss/gc_1306941315912.shtm

Private Sector Partnership: FY 2011 Grant Guidance Update

On This Page:

• Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)
• Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG)
• Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program (THSGP)
• Supplemental Highlights

The FY2011 Homeland Security Grant Guidances were released May 19, 2011. We encourage our private partners to pay particular attention to the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) and the Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program (THSGP) grant guidance language that has been incorporated to highlight Private Sector partnerships.

Read supplemental guidance (PDF, 6 pages, 64 KB) included with this rollout.

Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)

The HSGP guidance references Private Sector (PS) partnerships throughout, starting with the PS participation with Fusion Centers (Pages 7,9,10,12); their involvement with Citizen Corps Program (CCP) (Pages 22,34) as well as attending trainings and exercises (Pages 38,39,71,74,75,77). It also addresses how National Incident Management System (NIMS) Implementation should be incorporated in the PS (Page 40). All allowable planning and organization activities are listed below: see pages 63, 64, 65, 68, and 80.

Excerpts

• Page 7: Priority Three – Maturation and Enhancement of State and Major Urban Area Fusion Centers
• One of the Department’s priorities in FY 2011 is to support recognized state and major urban area fusion centers and the maturation of the Information Sharing Environment (ISE). Fusion centers serve as focal points within the state and local environment for the receipt, analysis, gathering, and sharing of threat-related information between the federal government and state, local, tribal, territorial (SLTT) and private sector partners.
• Page 9: Fusion centers leveraging State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) and/or Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) grant funds are required to demonstrate, at a minimum, the following fundamental capabilities:
• Analyze: A written plan, policy, or Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) describing fusion center business processes for assessing the local implications of threat-related information provided by federal partners (DHS, FBI, etc.) through a formal risk analysis process. This process should determine what critical information needs to be provided to SLTT and private sector partners to support prevention, protection, and other response-related operational planning efforts, and to inform these partners of behaviors and circumstances that may serve as pre-incident indicators of an emerging threat
• Disseminate: A written plan, policy, or SOP describing fusion center business processes for disseminating critical information to SLTT and private sector partners in the fusion center’s area of responsibility
• Page 10:
• Percentage of fusion centers with documented plans, policies, or SOPs describing fusion center business processes for disseminating information to SLTT and private sector partners in accordance with the metrics established by the DHS Office of Intelligence & Analysis (I&A)
• Page 12: "Fusion centers leveraging SHSP and/or UASI grant funds are required to demonstrate, at a minimum, the following fundamental capabilities:
• Analyze: A written plan, policy, or SOP describing fusion center business processes for assessing the local implications of threat-related information provided by federal partners (DHS, FBI, etc.) through a formal risk analysis process. This process should determine what critical information needs to be provided to SLTT and private sector partners to support prevention, protection, and other response-related operational planning efforts, and to inform these partners of behaviors and circumstances that may serve as pre-incident indicators of an emerging threat
• Disseminate: A written plan, policy, or SOP describing fusion center business processes for disseminating critical information to SLTT and private sector partners in the fusion center’s area of responsibility
• Page 22: Citizen Corps Program Requirements
• State and territory responsibilities. Citizen preparedness and participation must be coordinated by an integrated body of government and nongovernmental representatives. States and local government recipients and sub-grantees of HSGP funds, including urban areas, must have such a body to serve as their Citizen Corps Council with membership that includes, but is not limited to:
• representatives from emergency management, homeland security, law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services/public health or their designee
• elected officials
• the private sector (especially privately owned critical infrastructure)
• private nonprofits
• nongovernmental organizations (including faith-based, community-based, and voluntary organizations)
• advocacy groups for children, seniors, people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.

Representatives from existing Citizen Corps partners and affiliates active in the community should also be included on these Citizen Corps Councils. Furthermore, Citizen Corps Councils should include a Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) representative, where applicable, along with advocates and specialists representing the unique needs of infants and children and representatives from the disability community.

• Page 34: Organizational Activities (SHSP and UASI only) including:
• Structures and mechanisms for information sharing between the public and private sector
• Tools, resources and activities that facilitate shared situational awareness between the public and private sectors
• Page 38: Training Activities (SHSP, UASI, MMRS, CCP)
• Allowable training topics include, but are not limited to:
• Chemical, biological, radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) terrorism
• cyber/agriculture/food security
• intelligence gathering and analysis
• National Incident Management System (NIMS)-related training
• citizen community and private sector preparedness
• public-private partnership
• interoperable and emergency communications
• training for volunteers and children and individuals with disabilities in disasters, pediatric medical surge
• evacuation, tracking (including patients), and sheltering with particular emphasis on children
• keeping children with parents or guardians
• addressing needs of unaccompanied minors
• integrating individuals with disabilities and accessibility and functional needs (i.e., those with language barriers).

Read more: Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101, Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans (PDF, 124 pages, 1.86 MB)

• Page 39: Exercise Activities (SHSP, UASI, MMRS, CCP)
• Exercise activities should involve the whole community team to include:
• federal partners
• state, local, and tribal leaders
• the private sector
• non-governmental organizations
• faith-based and community organizations,
• and most importantly, the general public.

Exercises conducted with FEMA support should be managed and executed in accordance with the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP).

Read more about HSEEP Guidance for exercise design, development, conduct, evaluation, and improvement planning.

• Page 40:
• States and urban areas are encouraged to exercise their capabilities with regard to improving existing preparedness for catastrophic events and associated response operations through more effective collaboration with all members of a community, to include federal, state, and local government partners, as well as the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and the citizens in and around an impacted area. This also includes consideration for infants and children across all aspects of response and recovery, including pediatric medical surge capabilities, integrating child congregate care systems (e.g. schools, child care, juvenile justice facilities, or group homes), and integrating the accessibility and functional needs of children and adults with disabilities.
  
  States and urban areas are encouraged to include the private sector in exercises to maximize situational awareness and ensure efficient and effective use of all available resources during an emergency.
• Page 49: National Incident Management System (NIMS) Implementation
• In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-5, Management of Domestic Incidents, the adoption of the NIMS is a requirement to receive federal preparedness assistance, through grants, contracts, and other activities. The NIMS provides a consistent nationwide template to enable all levels of government, tribal nations, non-governmental organizations including voluntary organizations, and private sector partners to work together to prevent, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of incidents, regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity.
  
  All state, tribal nation, and local government grantees should update their respective NIMSCAST assessments and, if necessary, submit a Corrective Action Plan via NIMSCAST for FY 2010. Corrective Action Plans are only required if a jurisdiction fails to meet one of the NIMS implementation activities.
  
  For comprehensive information concerning NIMS implementation for states, tribal nations, local governments, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector, please visit the FEMA NIMS Resource Center.
• Page 68: Organization Activities Information
• Structures and mechanisms for information sharing between the public and private sector:
• Tools, software, programs, and other mechanisms that support two-way information
  sharing during normal and emergency operations
• Means to receive input or feedback from the private sector, and encourage
  participation from civic leaders from all sectors
• Regular and timely communications on subjects relating to all phases of emergency
  management, such as newsletters, emails, and alerts
• Tools, resources and activities that facilitate shared situational awareness between the public and private sectors
• Web-based and new media platforms that allow real-time information exchange
• Asset mapping, such as participation in FEMA’s Total Asset Visibility and LogViz initiative
• A seat(s) in the emergency operation center, or virtual EOC
• Pages 71-72: Training Information and Requirements
• Types of Training. FEMA resources include a number of different training sources:
• Joint Training and Exercises with the Public and Private Sectors. These courses are sponsored and coordinated by private sector entities to enhance public-private partnerships for training personnel to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism or catastrophic events.
• Pages 74-75:
• Joint Training and Exercises with the Public and Private Sectors. Trainings and exercises designed to enhance private sector and public sector coordination are allowable. Overtime pay for first responders and emergency managers who participate in public-private training and exercises is allowable. In addition, states, territories, tribes, and local units of government are encouraged to incorporate the private sector in government-sponsored training and exercises.
  
  Any training supported with these CCP funds should be delivered with specific consideration to include all ages, ethnic and cultural groups, persons with disabilities, and access and functional needs populations at venues throughout the community, to include schools, neighborhoods, places of worship, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and government locations.
• Page 77: Exercise Requirements
• Role of Non-Governmental Entities in Exercises. Non-governmental participation in all levels of exercises is strongly encouraged. Leaders from non-governmental entities should be included in the planning, conduct, and evaluation of an exercise. State, local, tribal, and territorial jurisdictions are encouraged to develop exercises that test the integration and use of non-governmental resources provided by non-governmental entities, defined as the private sector and private non-profit, faith-based, community, disability, volunteer, and other non-governmental organizations. Non-governmental participation in exercises should be coordinated with the local Citizen Corps Council(s) and other partner agencies. The scenarios used in HSGP-funded exercises must focus on validating existing capabilities, must comply with and be large enough in scope and size to exercise multiple activities and warrant involvement from multiple jurisdictions and disciplines and non-governmental organizations, and take into account the needs and requirements for individuals with disabilities.
• Pages 80-81
• Integrating and coordinating private sector participation with fusion center activities
• Building information sharing capacities (especially among law enforcement, non-law enforcement, other government agencies, and the private sector)

Catholic Church Weighs in on New Gun Laws for Churches

From: Wausau Daily Herald

{For weeks, the Rev. David Rybicki has pondered how his and other churches should handle the new law permitting concealed weapons.

"Reports about where guns would and wouldn't be allowed have been in the news, and I found myself asking, 'What about churches?'" said Rybicki, pastor of the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Wausau.

The law, which allows people with proper permits to carry concealed weapons of all sorts, went into effect Tuesday. Dozens of concealed carry permits are expected to be issued in coming weeks, which has caused Wausau-area religious leaders to consider whether weapons should be allowed to enter sacred spaces.
"I think, in general, the feeling is we wouldn't want people carrying guns in churches," Brice said. "It would be sad if (people) felt they needed to."}

Click for Article

*** Unfortunately, due to the increase in crime related to places of worship, I think the time has come that people DO feel that they need to carry weapons in church. I agree with "Brice" that this is a sad statement; however, I would differ in his opinion and would say that the time is already here where criminals do not consider churches "sacred places".

How Heavy is your Safe??

From: Hays Free Press

{When a custodian arrived at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Kyle for his shift Thursday morning, something seemed out of place. The church’s rear door was forced open, and a 700-pound safe — filled with donations from worshippers — sat outside on a sidewalk nearby.}
Click for Article

SecurityatChurch.com Amazon Store


Every once in a while I want to highlight different products that I have placed in the Church Security Store. Many churches have problems with theft. This product is a great idea for securing high dollar items like sound equipment and instruments. A cage like this can be placed in the back of your stage and secured with a lock. If this is not want you are looking for, try the search function in the store for other options...  

Bulk Storage Locker - Single Tier - Starter - 36 Inches Wide - 60 Inches Deep From Salsbury Industries Price: $425.00 CLICK for STORE Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Ships from and sold by SALSBURY INDUSTRIES

Product Description

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Features

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Mental Illness and Security - Carl Chinn, "Think About It"

From: CarlChinn.Com (Reposted with Permission)

Mental Illness and Security

I read hundreds of stories regarding crime at faith-based organizations every year, and have done so for years. Still I hope to never lose that heavy lump in my throat and hurting heart as I read some of them.

I hope you, as security professionals in faith-based environments, never become so hardened you forget that people have real hurts.

This is kind of a tender week for our family anyway. My Dad – Jack Chinn – was aboard the USS Princeton (Aircraft Carrier) when she was sank by a Japanese dive bomber on October 24th, 1944 in the battle at Leyte Gulf. Dad didn’t have to survive the battle that day and many of his friends did not. Because he did, our family came to be. The date became an annual recognition of God’s grace in our lives.

But it seemed that late October would become an anniversary for other tragedies in our family as well, some of which are too tender to write of publicly.

If there were a picture in the encyclopedia of a “man of god” it would be of Dad (he wouldn’t agree). There isn’t a day goes by that members of our family don’t make good decisions due in part to the wise council Dad engrained into the cultural fabric of our family. He loved God first, Mom next, then us 3 boys. I’m not saying Dad was perfect, but he walked the line better than anyone I have ever known, with a remarkable way of passing on value to many who came in contact with him.

So it hit us very hard when Dad, a very good public speaker, writer and teacher, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s many years ago. It just didn’t make sense. Not only was he not a typical candidate (if there really is such a thing), it was just plain unfair. That unfairness played out over a 12-year period. Dad’s long goodbye ended on October 28th, 2005. He was 83.

When it comes to mental illness, I’m no expert, but I have experienced the pain associated with it, consequently becoming more sympathetic and understanding of those who deal with the many forms of mental illness. All of the forms are just plain unfair.

That heavy lump in my throat hit again this week as I was researching the story of 74-year old Clartha McLeod Epps. Clartha was physically healthy, but had been recently diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer’s when an acquaintance (unaware of the diagnosis) dropped her off at the Hickory Grove Church on old Manning Road in Turbeville, SC in the evening of January 30, 2009.

That was the last anyone has seen her.

THINK ABOUT IT …

· Be aware of medical and mental issues associated with people around you. Even a diabetic reaction can make a normally social person seem belligerent. There is an abundance of medical issues that affect good people, and sometimes they need our attention and care.

· Regardless of the mental or emotional state of a person, as security operatives in faith-based environments, we must never forget what we represent. Our protective duties do not include making character judgments on people who are not acting the way we think they should. It is only when they become a danger to themselves or others that we step in, and even then it is done so with compassion. When you “handle” someone with mental issues, keep in mind it is just that – a mental issue -- they are a real person with real needs. They are also someone’s brother, son, wife or mother experiencing the pain associated with their disease.

· An outside presence is one of the most critical positions of a security team. You aren’t always looking for a bad person – just anything that doesn’t look right in the parking lot, driveways, playgrounds, and outdoor equipment. Be aware of the movements of all people. Someone like Clartha might need your help.

· Churches are far behind others in recognizing the value of surveillance cameras. In today’s day and age, there is no good reason for not having surveillance for the protection of the people and property in your care. Even the best security eyes and ears can’t be there all the time. Let well-planned technology do some of the heavy lifting. It could have made a difference for folks like Clartha and others.

· If you live in the Turbeville, SC area (just east of Columbia), and wish to volunteer your security, law enforcement, or investigative skills to the Clartha McLeod Epps case specifically, please contact Monica Caison at (910) 232-1687 or cuecenter@aol.com