Vigilance in a Time of Terrorism

With the events of this past week we should all remember that we live in a fallen world and because we live in a fallen world sin will continue to make headline across this nation... What happened this week should not surprise us and we should be prepared for similar events to occur again.

American's should take these events as a reminder to be vigilant in our daily activities. Security in this nation tends to resemble a sliding scale. It starts off low…. Something tragic happens like 9/11 and people take interest and see the importance and security ramps up high, then over time the priority of security starts to slip down that scale and become less important. Due to the bombing in Boston and the Ricin letters in Washington, DC people will once again be willing to look at the priority of security.


How does your church facility or religious organization view security?

Is security a word that is taken seriously or just passed around the table during an occasional meeting?

Is your facility willing to invest time and money into the safety and security of those who visits and work in your facility?

Please leave us a comment and let us know how the events of this week have or have not changed the way our organization in viewing security.

Detroit Churches Step Up Security

From: CBS News

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Some Detroit churches are stepping up security following crime that’s included break-ins and muggings.

Pastor Roderick Dallas said his church, True Gospel Tabernacle on Ryan Road near 8 Mile Road in northeast Detroit, was forced to step up security efforts after someone stole $15,000 worth of audio equipment.

“It’s a blatant disrespect for the House of God,” Dallas told The Detroit News. “This is a very unchurched, unspiritualed generation.”

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Pope Tests His Security Detail by Wading into Crowd

From: Yahoo News

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis gave his security detail a taste of his new papal style on Sunday by stepping outside a Vatican gate to greet a boisterous crowd of well-wishers.

The pope said Sunday morning Mass in the small church of Santa Anna, just a few feet inside the gate of the same name, for Vatican workers who frequent it as their parish.

He arrived in a black car, again shunning the papal limousine, and immediately went over to hundreds of people who had gathered at the gate to get a glimpse of him.

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Pope Benedict Remaining In Vatican For Security

From: The Inquisitr

Pope Benedict’s decision to live out the rest of his life inside the protected walls of the Vatican is a calculated maneuver to avoid prosecution and stay safe.

Church experts tell Reuters that by remaining inside the walls of the Vatican the church will provide Benedict with the same rights he received as the head of the church.

Read more at http://www.inquisitr.com/528437/pope-benedict-remaining-in-vatican-for-security-immunity/#imVTw32YlAA2Jp1B.99 

Photo Credit: The Inquisitr

Church Congregations Consider use of Armed Guards

From: Columbus Dispatch

At St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church, leaders take seriously their job of protecting the flock.

Even before the shooting that left more than two dozen dead at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., in December, surveillance cameras monitored the Downtown church’s grounds, visitors had to be buzzed into offices, and ushers were trained in how best to respond to emergencies.

But the discomfort level rises when the discussion turns to the best way to handle a weapon-bearing intruder, said the Rev. Virginia Lohmann Bauman, senior pastor over the United Church of Christ community of about 350. Like people at many other worship places, St. John’s members don’t feel that armed security guards belong in the sanctuary.

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Counter Terror Forum - Top National Security Resource

Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Jennifer Hesterman was one of my original supporters in starting this website. I recall having conversations with her regarding the details in setting up a blog when she decided to start the Counter Terror Forum. Colonel Hesterman has since been recognized as one of the top online resources for Terrorism and National Security information. SecurityatChurch.com wanted to take a moment to recognize her for her accomplishments to the security industry!

From: Master of Homeland Security

National Security is a massive business globally, with enormous corporations constructing more powerful war machines and governments spending billions to achieve or maintain military dominance. But the security of any nation depends on so much more than just the number of bombs they can drop or their ability to influence political conflicts on the other side of the world. Advanced software that can keep classified information locked down against malicious hackers is a crucial part of the national security infrastructure now. The Transportation Security Administration employs thousands to keep commercial flight passengers safe, and the populace is ever more vocal about their discontentment with “security” efforts that fail too often and appear to infringe upon individual rights. National security is a gray area, and there are scholars, computer experts, lawyers, politicians, and security offers working to clarify what is necessary, what is legal, and what is inevitable in the struggle to keep citizens safe

Click for list of top 100 National Security Resources

Security at Church: My only issue with this webiste is that securityatchurch.com has not yet made it on the list...

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.

Link to Article

Fargo Church Comments on Armed Guards in Church

From: Grand Forks Herald

On any given Sunday, a handful of members of the Bethel Evangelical Free Church in Fargo may be wearing a black shirt and an earpiece — much like a federal agent.

They may have an array of medical or law enforcement training — some are retired police officers or military members — who provide security for upwards of 2,000 churchgoers that attend every week.

A select few may even be strapped with a concealed weapon under their Sunday best.

Senior Pastor Matthew St. John said Wednesday the program, known as Gatekeepers, has been very successful since it was implemented four years ago and has been well received by the Fargo Police Department — who has provided some training for the program, he said.

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Church Security in Mississippi Strikes Balance

Note: An inter-city church faces different challenges with physical security. This security upgrade at a church in Mississippi is a great example of simple changes that can make a big difference.

From: dJournal.com

To gain entrance to the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Tupelo, visitors must approach the door beside the chapel.

There they will find a brushed steel call box, mounted with a speaker and a video, that may look out of place against the church’s castle-like architecture. Through the call box, the visitor is able to call the church office to disengage the electronic lock and allow them inside.

“We want to keep the church safe, the same way as a household,”

Photo from Linked Website

Read more:Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal - Church security in Northeast Mississippi strikes balance

Church Abuse - Security - Sovereign Grace Ministry - SGM

I am not really sure where to start this blog post. For the last three years I have dedicated my spare time to post helpful information related to church safety and security. I have spoken with countless numbers of people trying to help them increase the safety and security of their places of worship. Now… My church of almost 30 years and “former” church parent ministry is plagued with their own “apparent” scandal related to both sexual abuse and abuse of pastoral authority. I have purposefully been quite related to the events that have been occurring. For months I have been asked to comment on the issue. I have decided that I cannot run a website dedicated to church safety and security and NOT talk about a major issue that is unfolding right in front of my eyes.

How and why did we get to this point! By no means am I attempting to say that I have had all of the answers. Many of the claims and allegations against both Sovereign Grace Ministry (SGM) and Covenant Life Church (CLC) stem back 25 years… From a Safety and Security prospective I can honestly state that I have first hand observed Covenant Life Church make many positive changes over the last 5 years towards their policies and procedures related to safety and security. The question will remain was it too little too late?

When I started this website 3 years ago, I was approached by two individuals from SGM and asked to contribute information about church safety and security on their internal church leadership website. Their passion and desire was to get this information out to their family of churches so positive change could be made in the best interest of their church membership. I decided that my first post should be related to children’s ministry and the importance of conducting background checks. (Original Blog Post will be posted in a separate securityatchurch.com post). I received immediate positive feedback from the content of the message from the two individuals who were in favor of the content being shared. Unfortunately, an individual in SGM leadership felt that the content of my post should not be viewed as the opinion of SGM. He did not want SGM churches to view my suggestions as coming with the authority of the parent ministry. My blog post was removed and my invitation to post future content related to church safety and security was revoked! This decision was not the desire of the two individuals who originally asked me to contribute. In fact to this day they are both still huge supporters of my efforts and securityatchurch.com! (Note: One of the individuals no longer works for SGM).

I am including the original SGM Blog Post in my next post for you to read and decide for yourself… Maybe the SGM leadership should have had their local churches view this information as the opinion of the parent ministry! What is your local church or church parent ministry doing to actively protect you and your local church? If they ever have the unfortunate situation to have the national press and local legal system evaluating them, will the outcome show an active desire to help the church be a safe place or a hidden effort to prevent resources and information from being shared and spread?

Company Donates Security System To Church

From: News on 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -
A Tulsa church is getting some much needed extra security features. all for free.

It comes after a shocking number of burglaries where thieves have taken just about everything they can get their hands on—even paper plates and toilet paper.

Crews with a Tulsa company called Security by Black installed a few things to make Lakeview Heights Baptist Church more burglar-proof.

Click for article

NewsOn6.com - Tulsa, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports - KOTV.com |

Security Changes Coming to Church Hall Where 3 Were Shot

From: The Daily Journal

VINELAND — Police are looking for a “lone shooter” who injured two women and a man with gunfire when a Christmas party inside a rented church hall turned violent early Wednesday morning.

Representatives of St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Church, which owns the West Wheat Road social hall, said the event was a private party that wasn’t attended by its parishioners. New security measures will go into effect there next week, they said.

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Louisville, KY Church Seeks Security After Threats

Louisville church receives threat: "I am going to kill you all, I am going to kill everyone of you"

From: WLKY News

LOUISVILLE, Ky. —A violent threat was made against a Louisville church that has been targeted before.

The threat was enough to make the church consider getting security, especially for Christmas services.

Now, the children's pastor is trying to get the person behind the threat arrested.

"He said, 'I'm going to kill you all. I'm going to kill every one of you,'" said pastor Joseph Vittito.

It was a threat that has Vittito and Tabernacle of David members on edge.

Read more: http://www.wlky.com/news/local-news/louisville-news/Church-considers-security-after-violent-threat/-/9718340/17835818/-/jt1uh1z/-/index.html#ixzz2FpVbcSnK

ePanic Limited Time 25% Discount - Panic Alarm

Limited Time Discount Offer

Receive a 25% discount off of your initial subscription fee if you Purchase ePanic Button by December 7, 2012. An invoice must be created by December 7, 2012. Subscription renewal fees will be regular pricing.

Security at Church has partnered with ePanic Button to deliver a simple, affordable system that improves security in faith-based organizations and helps protect church staff and volunteers.

ePanic Button is PC-based panic button system. With just one discreet click of a mouse, keystroke, or tap of a foot pedal, employees and volunteers rapidly send desktop alerts, email and text messages. You customize the messages by level of urgency and role of the receiver to ensure the right messages are sent to the right people for each situation, letting you respond quickly and appropriately to incidents and threats as they occur.

Click for Free 30-day Trial

Church Shooting Prompts Security Concerns

From: The Augusta Chronicle

It was once unthinkable.

An armed gunman on a church campus?

“That didn’t happen. Messing with the church back when I was younger was taboo,” said the Rev. Phillip Maxwell, the assistant pastor over security at Augusta’s New Life Christian Center. “Not anymore.”

The fatal shooting at a College Park megachurch two weeks ago reminds pastors that their churches are uniquely vulnerable.

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Facebook Hits 100 "Likes"

I just noticed that our "Security at Church" Facebook Page has reached 100 followers. This is a great context for passing and receiving church security related information. If you have not signed up please "like" our Facebook Page and pass it on to your friends!

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/securityatchurch

Security Threat Alert! Faith-Based Organizations

The Joint Intelligence Bulletin issued by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security said “the risk of violence could increase both at home and abroad as the film continues to gain attention.”

“First responders should remain aware of the potential for spontaneous large crowds and protests that could overwhelm resources and should be vigilant for possible efforts to encourage peaceful protesters to commit acts of violence,” the warning said.

It urged “faith-based organizations to promptly report suspicious activities that could indicate pre-operational plotting against Jewish, Coptic, Islamic, or any other faith-based communities.”

Information from: http://www.scfirearmstraining.com/

Introducing ePainic Button

About two months ago I received an email from a company called ePanic Button. This is a new business (less then 2 years) that has developed a computer based epanic button system. In the past I have talked about the importance of having a panic button in your facility. The problem for many churches has been the cost of installing a hard wired system into their facility. ePanic button provides a solution that that dilemma. Securityatchurch.com now has a distributorship agreement with ePanic Button and we are able to help get this product into your facility!

Why should you have a panic button?

Most facilities have receptionists that serves as the front line of defense when a customer or member enters your facility. Many times this receptionist is alone and out of the sight of others. By providing a panic alarm you allow that receptionist to have the ability to receive instant help in the event of emergency. A standard panic button is normally installed under a desk. A power source and wires then has to be installed and run to the location of the alarm. Sometimes this can be extremely costly, especially if it is integrated into your existing alarm system.

ePanic allows you to simply install a program on your computer and it is instantly connected to any other computer that is running the same program. You can even install a panic foot pedal via a USB port! ePainic allows you to customize hot-key alarms on your keypad and provide multiple messages based on different scenarios. 

Scenario #1: Your receptionist is sitting at the front desk and a member of your church enters the building. The member is evidently upset for an unknown reason. The receptionist tries to calm down the individual; however, the situation only escalates. The receptionist could simply press a "hot-key" on her computer that blasts a message out to all staff members requesting assistance at the front desk due to a irate individual. 

Scenario #2: A pastor is in his office providing council to a member of the church. The door is closed and the person begins to get upset. The pastor feels that the situation is escalating and that it would be helpful to have another person in the room with them. The pastor can have a "hot-key" with a preprogramed message that blasts out only to other pastors asking for assistance in his office. 

Scenario #3: A unknown person walks into your facility. The person presents a weapon and demands money from. He states that he knows his wife has been giving to the church behind his back and that he wants all the cash from their recent offering. The person at the front desk is able to tap the foot pedal which sends a pre-programmed message that says "call 911 immediately"! You happen to see the message and contact the police. You are able to respond to the message and so the receptionist knows that help is on the way. 

These are just a few example that I came up with while sitting at the airport typing this post. The are countless ways to use this program for your benefit! 

I will be providing more information this week on the ePanic system. If you are interested in more information send me an email at epanic@securityatchurch.com and I will send you some information over email. Free trials and demo's are also available via request.

Two Way Radio Center

For several years I have been looking for a two-way radio company that I could recommend to my readers and clients. Radios are a big part of both security and logistics. If you can’t properly communicate then you can’t adequately get your job done. Cell phones and text messages are helpful; however, if you want to get information across instantly there is no replacing the two-way radio system.

Twowayradiocenter.com comes recommended as securityatchurch.com primary radio resource. As you can see below they are capable of selling you radios for your facility or renting you radios and equipment for your conference and special events. They have been kind enough to set up a 5% discount for all securityatchurch.com readers. Just mention the coupon code or enter it during checkout if ordering online.

5% Discount Coupon Code: "Churchsec"


Information below from: Twowayradiocenter.com

Twowayradiocenter.com is a division of Wired Fox Technologies and is dedicated to selling Motorola and Vertex Standard two way business radios. We are focused on the use of two way radios in a business environment, where communications is vital to the efficient operation of the of your business, safety of your workforce and/or the support of your customers.

We have been in the technology business for over 30 years and have found that the technology used in two way radios is stable, efficient, simple and cost effective. The return on investment of this technology is superior of other communications technologies.

We have Partnered with Motorola, the leader in two way radio technology. They have been in the radio business since 1928 and the two way radio business since 1930. Their unmatched technological leadership on the public safety and military side of their business provides a solid foundation for their business two way radio offerings with products that are nearly indestructible. In 2008 Motorola purchased Vertex and now offers both the Motorola and Vertex brands in the marketplace.

All products are shipped from a 50,000 square foot warehouse in Greer, South Carolina. We strive to ship all orders received by 3:00pm eastern the same day. Shipment is by UPS.

The TwoWayRadioCenter has experienced technical support that can help you determine the best radio for your specific needs, help you program your radios or solve any technical issues you may have. Whether you are expanding your current network of radios or deciding if you should move to the new digital technology in two way radios we are here to help.

Customer service is our top priority and we are available by phone from 8:00am to 5:30pm eastern time, Monday through Friday or by email 24 hours a day.

Beckley Churches Beef Up Their Security

From: WVNSTV

By: Lauren Weppler

After Sunday's shooting at a Wisconsin Sikh temple 59News wanted to know how safe are Southern West Virginia churches.

Ken Wright is the Senior Pastor at The Family Worship Center in Beckley which has approximately 600 people in the congregation.

Wright said making sure doors are locked is secure is important from the security team which is made up of six individuals who are either retired or current law enforcement officers, "once service starts that way nobody gets in and out of those doors we have places they are assigned to watch over to make sure there isn't any active happening that shouldn't be."

Read More: http://www.wvnstv.com/story/19209573/beckley-churches-beef-up-their-security