Showing posts with label church security. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church security. Show all posts

Thursday, April 18

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.

Monday, April 15

Father of Alleged Rape Victim Questions Church’s Security - Ohio

From: Dayton Daily News

The father of a boy who was allegedly raped inside Fort McKinley United Methodist Church last week said he was angry and worried about the safety of other children.

“Whether it be my child, your child, or anybody else’s child, nobody has a right to do that to them in any way, shape or form,” he said during an interview with News Center 7 Reporter John Bedell. “It’s a struggle for any parent, any day wondering is my child safe. (It) not only happens, but it happens in a church. It’s supposed to be a spiritual place but yet it happens in a spiritual place.” ...

“It does go through my head because I don’t see how it could happen,” the victim’s father said. “How does he manage to slide past everybody with my child? He’s managed to slide past four of the security guards that they have there and disappear off into an upstairs bathroom (when) the classes that my children are supposed to be going to were downstairs."

Click for Link

SecurityatChurch: This article points out that the perpetrator slipped passed 4 security guards with the child in question. I do not want to make any statements related to the quality or location of the security without any direct knowledge of this situation; however, I do want to point out that just because you have "Security" does not mean that crimes may still not occur! especially with children.



Sunday, March 31

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.”

Click for Article

Easter in Jakarta - Church Security - Police

From: The Jakarta Post

The Jakarta Police will deploy about 4,300 officers to guard 1,129 churches, especially those prone to threats of forced closure or attacks, in Greater Jakarta on Sunday when they hold Easter services.

Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Rikwanto said on Saturday that the officers would come from police forces at all levels in Greater Jakarta, with additional personnel coming from the Jakarta Public
Order Agency.

“Police officers have been maintaining security at all churches in their respective jurisdictions since Thursday until Sunday afternoon,” he told The Jakarta Post.

Click for Article

Security At Church: On this Easter Sunday's I thought it would be helpful to remember what other nations are struggling with in order to celebrate Easter Sunday in peace!

Friday, March 29

Metro Church - Safety and Security

From: KARE 11

PRIOR LAKE, Minn. - As Twin Cities churches prepare for Easter services on Sunday, many are making sure their congregations are as safe as possible.

"It is a necessity for churches, even smaller churches to consider all the things that could happen," says Kris Moloney. "My eyes have opened to the issue."

Moloney directs security teams at Friendship Church in Prior Lake and Shakopee, but also consults other local churches on how to keep their buildings and people safe. His organization, Sheepdog Church Security assists places of worship on their protocol, plans, and helps train volunteers.

"In light of Newtown and other events, awareness among churches is skyrocketing," he says. "Churches are desperate for information on starting up teams."

Click for Full Article



Wednesday, February 27

Security Expert Says Churches can be Susceptible to Crime

From: 9 WSOCTV News

CHARLOTTE, N.C. —
Every weekend, thousands of people gather at houses of worship across the Charlotte area. They are places many go to find peace. But security experts say that doesn't mean criminals leave churches and temples alone.

"They view churches and other ministries as an easy target," said Carl Chinn, a church security expert and author.

Chinn said that as security at places like schools, malls and airports increases, criminals will look for easy access somewhere else, and that a house of worship by nature welcomes people in.

"It's a sacred place, but it needs to be a safe place," said Reverend Jim Martin, the church business administrator at Providence Baptist Church.

- See more at: http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/special-reports/9-investigates-security-expert-says-churches-can-b/nWZ38/#sthash.7QAWqs5V.dpuf

Wednesday, February 20

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.”

Click for Link


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

Milwaukee Church Security Training - Security Forum

From: TMJ4 News

MILWAUKEE - More than 100 people from all walks of faith are expected Wednesday night at the Milwaukee Police Training Academy.

The security forum for religious organizations is the first of its kind around the metro area but it's not their first lesson on security.

"As a Pastor I'm not supposed to worry," said Pastor Terry Fulks," but we are deeply concerned."

Pastor Fulks wants the people who pack his Crosspoint Community Church in Oconomowoc to feel safe and secure

Click for Link


Friday, February 15

Police Officer Leaves Gun in Church by Mistake

From: Associated Press

A law enforcement officer visiting a church in Lebanon got sick in the bathroom, put his gun on a shelf and didn't retrieve it.

The Rev. Frank Moloney of First Christian Church tells the Albany Democrat-Herald church members found the handgun the next morning, Sunday.

For a time, Moloney says, they believed it belonged to a homeless man who slept in the parking lot and had used the bathroom Sunday morning.

But during the Sunday service, church leaders spoke about finding a "very expensive item," and the deputy claimed the handgun.

Wednesday, February 6

Think About It - Carl Chinn - Heart of Protection

The Sidewalk Presentation
By Carl Chinn

Those with the heart of protection who want their ministry to increase (or continue) security, should always be ready to clearly state why. We may hope for an opportunity to make a presentation justifying the need to the executive board or the senior pastor. To be so prepared is a good, but we should plan as if our only chance for that speech might happen as we get in step with the pastor in the short walk between his car and the church doors.

In smaller churches, an audience with the right people is easier – but even then we should be well prepared to state our passion in a crisp and effective manner.

So the following might be my Sidewalk Presentation. I encourage you to be ready with yours – in your own words and culture – when it is needed.

Pastor I am happy this is my home church. It is my home church largely due to your leadership. As you are called to lead, I am called to serve -- in protection.

Even before Joseph and Mary heeded warnings to physically protect (and even relocate) baby Jesus from harm intended by others[i], God has continually used His people to intentionally protect His people. At any one of those times (and especially with His own Son) He could have just used angels, but He typically prefers to use willing agents of protection. I am honored and humbled that He has moved upon me to be a servant of protection for our fellowship.

It is not my desire to see our property resemble Ft. Knox, our security team to look like Delta Force, or our medical volunteers dressed as surgeons. But I do hope you will allow us to intentionally and actively protect our staff and guests.

I’ve no doubt we both agree there is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.[ii] Will you allow me to be our ministry’s Sheepdog?


Think About it:
  • Not everyone thinks about security the way you do. Your pastor probably doesn’t have this website marked as a favorite, and that is OK. We want him to present the message of your ministry in the way he is called and credentialed to do.
  • Even if you already have a team, and are recognized as a viable effort, there are some who do not agree with security in church. And the day may come when those who once acknowledged the need, no longer feel that way. Always be ready to clearly state your case.
[i] Matthew 2:14-15
[ii] 1 Peter 5:8-9

Managing Your Church - Interview with Carl Chinn

From: Christianity Today

2012: “A Bad Year for Violence” at Churches

Last month, church security expert Carl Chinn updated his statistics on violent incidents at churches and faith-based organizations. He began tracking this information in 1999 by learning of incidents reported by news agencies, which he then independently researches and verifies before categorizing and tabulating them. The result of this work is 14 years of data churches can use to analyze the risk of violence for their congregation.


Tuesday, February 5

Security Camera's help Catch Church Burglars - Texas

From: Our Town Texas

Michael Lopez Garcia and Robert Zenhye III have been charged with burglary of a building in connection with a break-in on Jan. 9 at the Rivers of Living Waters Church on North 8th Street in Killeen.

About $40,000 worth of audio equipment was taken and windows were damaged.

Security cameras that were set up inside the studio recorded images of the thieves.


Audio Equipment Stolen from a Detroit Church

From: Fox News Detroit


$15,000 worth of audio equipment was stolen from a Detroit church.

The robbery happened in the middle of the night at True Gospel Tabernacle Church, and Pastor Roderick Dallas believes the thieves have been inside the church before.

Click for Article



Fox 2 News Headlines

Church Members Stops Theft in Progress

From: The Daily Item

DANVILLE — An alert church member discovered a Danville man carrying a security control panel box out of a rear office of the First Baptist Church of Danville.

Deneene R. Klinger approached Scott Nicholas Buckley, 29, of 207 Grand St., and stopped him, according to state police at Milton.

Click for Article

Saturday, February 2

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.

Click for Article

Friday, February 1

Teens Charged after Church Gunpoint Robbery

From: Examiner

Church attendees at the Ira Groves Freewill Baptist Church, 1701 Belmont, in East St. Louis, were startled to see three gunmen enter their church at 5:30 pm and commit armed robbery, the Belleville News Democrat reported yesterday, Jan. 31, 2013.

One of the three men held a gun to the minister's head and ordered the congregationto the floor. The other two men proceeded to take valuables from the attendees which included jewelry, electronics, and their wallets

Click for Article

Sunday, January 27

Houston Church Parishioners Stop Thief

From: ABC 13 News

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The suspect in a southwest Houston church burglary was in the hospital Saturday night after being caught by parishioners...

Police say a suspect used a sledge hammer the bust through the wall and steal several band instruments.

Members living nearby went inside the building to inspect the damage and found one suspect hiding in the ceiling.

Click for Full Story




Saturday, January 26

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

Checklist for Security Cameras - CCTV

Are you thinking about installing security cameras at your church facility? If you are not then maybe you should be…
 
Security access control systems and security cameras can be very confusing to the untrained professional. It is important to understand what you need for your facility to prevent you from purchasing the wrong system for your facility. Securityatchurh.com can assist you will the selection of equipment for your facility. Feel free to email me for more information brian@securityatchurch.com.
 
Below is a list of questions that should be answered when selecting security cameras. The $499 special from Wal-Mart or Costco may not be appropriate for your facility. Along the same train of thought you may not need to install a military or government spec system at your place of worship. Seek a professional’s advice before you spend money on the wrong system!
 
Visit www.CCTVConsult.com to view the answers to these questions.
  • Should I purchase B/W or Color?
  • What basic equipment is necessary to start video surveillance?
  • What if I need more than one camera?
  • Should I use Hidden Cameras?
  • Should I Placing cameras indoors, outdoors or both?
  • What are infrared cameras and are they necessary?
  • What is an ideal angle for a lens to cover?
  • What is the difference between Vari-focal vs. Zoom Lens?
  • Explain Manual Iris vs. Auto Iris?
  • Do I need pinhole lens?
  • CCTV Monitor vs. Standard TV, which should I use?
  • CRT vs. LCD Monitor?
  • What are monitor Input Connectors?
  • Should I use Wireless vs. Wired Transmission?
  • Explain 12VDC vs. 24VAC?
  • Should I use battery operated cameras or hard wired?
  • Should I use motion detection?
  • What is Pan, Tilt, and Zoom control?
  • Should I purchase Time Lapse VCR vs. DVR (Digital Video Recorder)?
  • How does Remote Surveillance over the Network work?
  • What is HD CCTV System?