Most are familiar with neighborhood watch or community watch, which have similarities, however the faith-based community may have the need for coordination with law enforcement or other entities to accomplish their missions.

Four goals of the program:

1. Prevent violence in places of worship

2. Conduct threat assessments

3. Reduce tragic events of a crisis

4. Identify strategies to reduce risks

I and my staff will meet with church leadership to identify motivating factors in church violence, discuss local trends in a church-related crime, survey and make recommendations at physical locations, provide security consulting for church staff and participants, and discuss a number of crime prevention measures.

I am hopeful that the program will result in further coordination of faith based community working together in crime prevention and establish safety committees that share information.

I am hopeful that by partnering with the faith based community, that common goals such as community service in times of relief efforts or participation with other public outreach programs will have increased success.

The FBI identified 18.2 percent of religious hate crimes took place in churches.

Examples of church violence:

1. Disagreements with clergy – Most often resulting in physical violence or property damage.

2. Suspects preying on elderly people typically unarmed.

3. Stealing church collections.

4. Domestic violence.

What to look for to reduce risk and liability

Maintain adequate sidewalk space

Mark spaces and driveway

Have fire drills

Have exit drills for crisis situations, perhaps immediately after church or at least with ushers

Have a lockdown procedure

Have well marked signs

Clearly marked entrance and exits

Maintain handicapped ramps

Routinely evaluate fire hazards.

Consult an attorney about allowing skate boarders or other activities

Evaluate tree limbs

Remember that pine needles and wet bricks create slippery surfaces

Document markings of all property for identification

Coordinate with local pastors in dealing with discretionary funds

Protect stained glass with new products that can be sprayed or with covers, products mentioned at our training were Lexan” and “Shattergard

Crime prevention tips

Don’t leave objects outside that can be used to gain entry

Don’t allow bushes to grow so as to provide cover

Holly bushes keep intruders away

Don’t allow rolling trash cans to be used to steal your property

Don’t take money to the bank routinely

Maintain good locks

Unsightly objects attract scrap metal collectors

Maintain building with repairs — experts say that showing ownership is preventative

Don’t keep door handles that can be locked with a chain from the outside

Promote fencing – It defines entry points, controls access, and allows for intruders to be noticed on the perimeter

Maintain lighting at perimeter

Keep lights above reach of suspects

LED lights are brighter and less expensive to maintain — it is also difficult to break enough LED lights to eliminate illumination. They last three times longer then florescent lights and don’t blind traffic

Place parking lot lights the length of the pole multiplied by four

Clean lights periodically to prevent emission issues

Don’t let trees block light

Use three inch strike plates at doors

Door mats can be used to stop a door

Metal furniture can be used to break glass.

Avoid locks that can be turned after glass is broken

Make policy of locking doors

Don’t allow smokers to prop doors open

Maintain secure hinges in doors — very important

Secure power sources and air units against theft

Don’t put in too much information in bulletins.

Use caution in having public websites, pictures of children, financial information, or activities that would expose vulnerabilities

Don’t place empty boxes from recent purchases where people can see them