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Protecting Churches: Options to Enhance Security

By Joshua L. Adams, Alumnus, Criminal Justice at American Military University

Religious meeting places have long been considered sacred and solemn locations where no one would dare bring a firearm, let alone kill someone. This common societal norm is fading, however, in the wake of attacks on churches and mosques, where attackers have entered with the intent of killing as many people as they can.

[Related Article: Are Police Doing Enough to Help Protect Churches?]

One example was when Dylann Roof, a lone gunman, shot and killed nine individuals in a South Carolina church who were attending a bible study group. The resulting national media attention brought to light the vulnerability of religious meeting places as soft targets for attacks.

More recently, a pastor in a North Carolina church was faced with an armed individual who walked into a church. Fortunately the pastor was able to talk the would-be assailant out of harming himself or others.

Are We Ready to Change the Paradigm?

In many cases, religious meeting places are considered soft targets because they have minor or nonexistent security measures. While having an armed security officer or church member may deter assailants and contribute to protecting churches, many aggressors expect to die or kill themselves during an attack.

The real question is whether or not society, in general, is ready to have:

  • Armed security officers during religious services
  • Police presence at religious services
  • Armed congregation member(s)

Protecting Churches and Houses of Worship

Plain-clothed and armed security officers could serve as a first line of defense in protecting churches in the event of a violent attack. Often, it takes law enforcement officers several minutes to respond to a call for service and an armed security officer could potentially stop or minimize an attack.

One of the main obstacles to hiring plain-clothed armed security officers is simply that some of the congregation may not want him or her there as a matter of personal preference or belief. Because houses of worship have traditionally been places of peace and welcome to all, the idea of seeking out armed protection may be distressing or disturbing to some congregation members.

It is important to discuss this with the congregation and conduct a vote to get a better understanding of whether this is a favorable idea. Such an approach to protecting churches can prevent conflict and help determine if plain-clothed armed personnel is favored by the majority. It is also important to discuss the cost of hiring an armed security professional. Unless someone in the congregation is a licensed security officer who is willing to fill this position, the church will have to pay for such services.

Liability – as in cases of accident or misjudgment – is also a concern that congregations should investigate with their legal counsel and any councils or conferences of places of worship they belong to.

Another solution for protecting churches is to have uniformed or plain-clothed law enforcement personnel attend services. Again, there is a cost associated with this solution. The congregation must either seek out an officer who is already a fellow worshiper, or try to find someone who is willing to act in this role at a reduced cost.

Lastly, the congregation could agree to allow a current member, who is licensed to carry a firearm, to bring a weapon to the house of worship. It would be preferable if this congregation member were a former law enforcement officer because police officers have extensive training and experience, which would help them handle an incident, should it arise.

While none of these options are ideal, some houses of worship may feel it necessary to add another level of security to protect their congregation. Unfortunately, as more violent incidents occur, there may be a rise in the number of houses of worship that consider one of these options.

Joshua Adams_SM5About the Author: Joshua L. Adams has been in law enforcement for 13 years. He is certified by the Department of Defense to supervise and investigate misdemeanor and felony level crimes as a supervisory special agent of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID). Joshua has planned, conducted, and supervised more than 200 significant and complex investigations involving violations of Title 18 U.S. Code and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) including fraud, rape, murder, sexual assault, arson, conspiracy and child pornography. Joshua is a 2014 graduate of American Military University, earning his master’s degree in criminal justice, and is currently pursuing his Doctoral degree in Criminal Justice. He is also a member of the Kappa Kappa Chapter of the Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society at AMU 

Leischen Kranick is a Managing Editor at AMU Edge. She has 15 years of experience writing articles and producing podcasts on topics relevant to law enforcement, fire services, emergency management, private security, and national security.

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