Church Security System

Here are 4 steps for planning your church security.

1. Cover it all.

In the security planning process, it is important to be thorough.  Think through all possible threats, all possible options for preventing or mitigating that threat, and all possible options for responding when a security event occurs.  Determine in advance who does what, when, and what resources are needed to respond effectively. Determine what level of threat prevention is preferred versus the requirements to respond to threats appropriately.  Keep in mind that the more secure a facility, the less user-friendly it becomes. However, a facility with no or few security measures does not instill confidence in visitors or guests, especially those with smaller children.  The key to success is in reaching a balance with which your church is comfortable.

2. Establish trigger events. 

Trigger events are crises defined by specific sets of criteria that are then matched with predetermined responses to those situations.  For example, a trigger event might be “Someone enters the church with a visible weapon.” The response to such an event could be an audible alarm alerting staff or volunteers to secure children in pre-identified safe locations.  Having such plans when trigger events occur allows for a well-thought-out response rather than reacting in panic, which often leads to less than optimum outcomes.  

3. Control entry.

When thinking about church safety, there are many valuable resources available that address a wide variety of vulnerability areas.  Of these vulnerable areas, physical access controls, both active and passive, maybe one of the most significant and first concerns to tackle. Churches must address how to physically control who comes in or out of the building or property.  “Passive” security measures include locks, barriers, fences, or gates. There are also monitoring systems (such as cameras) that provide visibility to parts of the building or property from a distance and provide evidence after a security event occurs.  These monitoring systems do not prevent someone from entering or doing something in or on your premises.  “Active” security measures often involve security guards who control access to the site and monitor activity taking place.  This could include armed security, whether visibly armed or carrying concealed weapons. Admittedly, armed security can be controversial, and some churches choose not to pursue that option.

4. Useful and truly effective security systems have layers.

They use various measures to ensure reasonable precautions have been taken to safeguard the people and property from the most common threats.  All of this depends on the perceived level of danger for a given set of circumstances. For example, the threat may be higher during Sunday services when there are more people on site. The perceived threat level may be lower on a mid-week morning when only staff is on-site.