Shooting Prompts Security Reviews - Episcopal Schools

From: Episcopal News Service

In the two months following the shooting death of 26 people, including 20 children, at a Connecticut elementary school, Episcopal schools have been examining and revising their security measures to keep students safe.

“In general, the reaction has been … a review of safety procedures,” said Ann Mellow, National Association of Episcopal Schools associate director. “In some cases, depending upon the school, they haven’t changed anything because they feel very confident that they are doing the best they can to reasonably react to situations, knowing you can’t be prepared for everything all the time.

“Other schools may have still had a relatively open campus and have added things. And I think certainly everybody’s got lockdown procedures,” Mellow said. “If they hadn’t already, they’ve added that to their many different kinds of drills that people do these days.”

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The Episcopal Day School of Jacksonville in Florida is building a memorial plaza in honor of slain Principal Dale Regan. The plaza will protect the root structure of a 100-year-old oak on the school property that was a favorite of the educator, who worked at the school for 34 years. Photo/ Episcopal School of Jacksonville

Gun Laws - Church - Gun Policy - Church Security

Since the tragic shooting in Newtown, CT gun policy has been on the top of the agenda for both Washington and local state legislators. Based on the political makeup of your state new legislation has been introduced to support gun rights, as well as, to restrict the constitutional rights of gun owners. Below are highlights from a few states that had pending legislation that could apply o places of worship.

From: The New Republic

Georgia
Charles Gregory, a freshman state representative that the Atlantic dubbed “one of the most zealously pro-gun legislators in America,” introduced four bills that would largely obliterate any restrictions on carrying firearms in Georgia. The bills would declare that “evil resides in the heart of the individual, not in material objects” and would allow people to carry guns pretty much anywhere, including college campuses and churches. It would also prohibit the governor from suspending guns sales during an emergency. Gregory represents a district that includes Kennesaw, the only place in America where it is required for households to own at least one gun.


Virginia
A bill proposed by Del. Bob Marshall would require school districts to designate at least one qualified person to carry a concealed weapon on school grounds. Gov. Bob McDonnell has said there should be a discussion on whether people with concealed-carry permits should be allowed to carry firearms in schools, but he has not gone as far as saying it should be required. Meanwhile, two Northern Virginia lawmakers have introduced legislation that would close the state’s gun-show loophole, which allows unlicensed arm dealers to sell at gun shows without conducting background checks.

Security at Church: How will this apply to your facility if it runs a school? It will be important to see how this will apply to you if you are renting out a school facility to hold your church service.

Florida
Two lawmakers are pushing a bill that would allow state agencies and local governments to decide whether they want to prohibit concealed firearms inside public buildings and at some public events. Currently, a concealed-carry license allows Floridians to carry a weapon in most places in the state. The law is likely to face resistance in the GOP-controlled legislature, and some legislators are already arguing that the restrictions proposed by the bill violate the Second Amendment.

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Body Found Under Car at Tampa Church

From: Bradenton Herold

TAMPA, Fla. — Police are investigating after a body was found beneath a car in the parking lot of Christ the King Catholic Church in Tampa.The body was discovered early Thursday. The vehicle was parked directly in front of the church, which is on South Dale Mabry Highway.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/08/16/4160791/body-found-under-car-in-front.html#storylink=cpy

Note: The Republican National Convention will be taking place in Tampa this week.

Teen Robs Church of Money

From: Fox Ten News

{Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Deputies said an Alabama teen was arrested after allegedly robbing a church in Pace.

Church leaders said the suspect, identified as 17-year-old Samuel Aaron Riley, went into Immanuel Baptist Church looking for help with gas money...

Church Administrator Andy Needles said dinner was wrapping up so they offered the teen a plate and he declined. Needles said they were making arrangements to give him some cash, when Riley grabbed the money box.}

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Gunshot Victim Collapses in Church

From: WPTV 5

{Fighting for her life Tuesday night after police said she was shot during a fight in the 1200 block of West 28th Street in Riviera Beach. The injured girl attempted to run, investigators said, but later collapsed in the Hilltop Baptist Church parking, lot just before 5:30 p.m.}

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Pastor's Daughter shot at Fla. Church

From: MSNBC

[ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A pastor's daughter was accidentally shot in the head at a church in St. Petersburg, police said.

Investigators told The Associated Press that Moises Zambrana was showing his gun in a small closet to another church member interested in buying a firearm. Zambrana reportedly took out the magazine of the Reuger 9mm weapon but did not know there was a bullet in the chamber.]

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Note: Thanks Matt for the story!

Church Crime Spree - Tampa Bay

From: Tampa Bay Times

{SPRING HILL — Just a week into the new year, Hernando County is already facing a crime spree — and some of the area's most benevolent organizations are the victims.

Thieves have stolen copper tubing from well more than 20 air-conditioning units, and among their targets, the criminals have raided three churches and a Veterans of Foreign Wars post.}

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My Thoughts: If have you been following this website for even a short period of time you will notice that crimes like this are common occurrences for churches across the country. Criminals can make quick cash from construction material used in items like air conditioners, heaters, electrical wiring and alike. A well lit exterior and security cameras are your best protection against this type of crime. 

Couple Commits Suicide Outside Florida Church

From: Miami New Times

​"Forty years ago, Patricia and Bruce Wright promised to love each other until death do them part at the Friendship United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda, Florida. In a tragic tale, the couple, who had most recently lived in Las Vegas, returned to the church on Sunday and killed themselves in what appears to be a suicide pact."

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3 Church Members and Pastor Robbed in Florida

From: Orlando Sentinel (Thanks Matt)

"A man who had just been robbed at his church told authorities that the two men who committed the robbery had been armed with large guns.

Sanford police today released a recording of a 911 call made in the terrifying minutes after the two masked men robbed three church band members and a pastor Wednesday night at Iglesia Apostólica, 2599 Sanford Ave."

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