Keeping Religious Institutions Secure

Keeping Religious Institutions Secure explores the unique vulnerabilities that churches, synagogues, and mosques face in regards to security, making them attractive to criminals who see them as easy targets.

The text illustrates why all places of worship should think about security and the types of breaches that can drive people away. The book focuses on the most frequent security concerns experienced by houses of worship, including embezzlement, vandalism, assault, hate crime, and in rare cases, an active shooter—and how to help prevent them from occurring.

Beginning with an overview of the basic security concepts and principles that can enhance the security of any religious facility, it then delves deeply into the particular security concerns of houses of worship, including the use of volunteers, protecting religious leaders, ensuring safety for children and teens, interacting with local law enforcement, handling the media, and much more.

Covers security best practices that are adaptable to any type of religious institution. Addresses the key security measures—physical, electronic, environmental, and procedural—for protecting people and facilities.Includes guidance on identifying threats and vulnerabilities and instituting countermeasures for deterring crime and violence.

1. Introduction 2. Examining Typical Crimes 3. Understanding Basic Security Principles 4. Evaluating Risk 5. Utilizing the Total Environment 6. Choosing Physical Security Measures 7. Developing Policies and Procedures 8. Identifying and Handling At-Risk People 9. Reacting to an Event in Progress 10. Responding to an Active Shooter 11. Recovering from an Incident 12. Handling the Media 13. Recognizing Intangible Assets and Liability Concerns 14. Increasing Security Awareness 15. Implementing and Training 16. Keeping the Principal Safe 17. Assessing the Need for Less-Lethal Weapons and Firearms 18. Establishing Security Partnerships 19. Protecting Children and Youth 20. Conclusion and Summary