Church security

[allisji]

Wanted to see if any members here know of any sites or have info on organizing church security , tips , advice , whatever .

I don't have any particular experience, but I think that you've really touched on something big, which is the need for lighting around the property. I'd also suggest that there is an open thread about Video Surveillance systems at the link below

viewtopic.php?f=82&t=82020

It goes way over my head, but clearly we have some very knowledgeable people on this forum on how to install a camera system.

Last year my church had someone who broke in through a back window and stole the church van. It was never found. Had we had a camera system we'd have had a better chance to catch the guys who did it. As for security personnel, we're too small to hire guards. I could see having a handful of men who understand common security responsibilities and how to respond to certain types of threats, however without proper certification volunteer security personnel can not be armed.

post edited after seeing the previous topic about volunteer security.

[chuck j]

I would request a mod to simply lock or remove the thread , I'm done .

[Richbirdhunter]

RBH,

Is it possible both signs went up due to thinking if a 30.07 sign is posted, so too must a 30.06, as is the case with the misinformed...?

I think that's exactly what happened. I got this email from my church this morning.

Rich,

Thanks for your email. Here is Valley Creek Church’s stance on the concealed and open carry. We will not be posting any signage which means concealed carry is still allowed. However, with the open carry situation, we will not post signs either but as a property owner, we have the right to ask anyone that enters the building with and open carry weapon to conceal it or return it to their vehicle. Our stance is that as we support their right to open carry, we don’t feel that this is an appropriate venue to do so.

Just FYI, I have an email string that goes out to over 50 churches in the metroplex and this has been a topic of discussion for the last 3 weeks. Through the 50 churches represented, they have only had one church have one guy come in with open carry. Their stance was the same as ours and asked them to conceal and they did without any hesitation.

I thought it might be a bit of an issue, but hasn’t. We had a couple of guys from our All In community that we thought might open carry, but none have. We have a great relationship with a lot of police officer from different cities and towns and they are all reported that they aren’t seeing anyone with open carry. They were all a bit surprised themselves.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Brian

[imkopaka]

In order to have armed security at your church, it must be a licensed security company by DPS and each security officer must also be licensed. This is an occupational code law. You cannot legally organize armed LTC's to act as security for the church. The alternative is hiring LEOs or a security company. Hopefully the next legislative session churches and non profits will be given an exception as most cannot afford to hire LEOs or contract security.

A few ways to go about licensing:
1. Get licensed with a Letter of Authority. This is uniformed (Level III) security officers only. License, insurance, training fees all apply.
2. Start a licensed security company at your church. This gives you a lot more options including Personal Protection (Level IV concealed) etc.
3. Become a licensed security officer and/or personal protection officer through an existing security company that will (for a fee) train, license, and employ you at your church through their security company.

All of the above including hiring LEOs is expensive. But a first less expensive and critical step is to have outside lighting!

This is actually along the lines of what I was going to comment. At a church I used to attend, a group of guys got together to act as an unofficial security team. The meeting (from what I hear) went a little something like this: "What's the number one rule of the security team?"..."Don't talk about the security team."

To avoid liability and pesky laws, they maintain a strict "this is not an organized team" mentality. I would caution you to do the same. The pastor doesn't know about it or commission it, and the members don't admit to its existence. They are simply a collection of individuals who legally carry concealed at church and happen to be friends and occasionally talk to LEOs about security related stuff.

[AJSully421]

In order to have armed security at your church, it must be a licensed security company by DPS and each security officer must also be licensed. This is an occupational code law. You cannot legally organize armed LTC's to act as security for the church. The alternative is hiring LEOs or a security company. Hopefully the next legislative session churches and non profits will be given an exception as most cannot afford to hire LEOs or contract security.

A few ways to go about licensing:
1. Get licensed with a Letter of Authority. This is uniformed (Level III) security officers only. License, insurance, training fees all apply.
2. Start a licensed security company at your church. This gives you a lot more options including Personal Protection (Level IV concealed) etc.
3. Become a licensed security officer and/or personal protection officer through an existing security company that will (for a fee) train, license, and employ you at your church through their security company.

All of the above including hiring LEOs is expensive. But a first less expensive and critical step is to have outside lighting!

This is actually along the lines of what I was going to comment. At a church I used to attend, a group of guys got together to act as an unofficial security team. The meeting (from what I hear) went a little something like this: "What's the number one rule of the security team?"..."Don't talk about the security team."

To avoid liability and pesky laws, they maintain a strict "this is not an organized team" mentality. I would caution you to do the same. The pastor doesn't know about it or commission it, and the members don't admit to its existence. They are simply a collection of individuals who legally carry concealed at church and happen to be friends and occasionally talk to LEOs about security related stuff.

Similarly, you can be extremely selective in your choice of ushers.