ARTICLE Shooter in the Church A police officer's advice on how to prevent, and react to, a gunman at church. Andrew G. Mills
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Churches are notorious for minimal security. And while acts of violence at church are rare, recent shootings at churches and schools beg the question: What can leaders do to protect their people? Based on experience in the pulpit and on the police force, here are four steps you can take to reduce risk—and possibly save lives—at your church.
It was just after the horrible 1999 shooting at Wedge-wood Baptist Church in Ft. Worth, Texas, that killed seven and injured seven more. Another pastor, having heard about the tragedy, called me for advice, and almost as an afterthought mentioned, "Something like that couldn't happen at our church."
I asked why.
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I was speechless. I regrouped and said, "As a pastor, I'd be deeply concerned if I were ...
Burglary prevention involves controlling access to church property, maintaining an effective surveillance system, and maintaining sufficient lighting to deter the casual thief.
How to Control Access to Property
Controlling access to the property is a central part of a burglary prevention plan. Make sure that all doors fit snugly; doorframes are solid and secure; one-inch deadbolt locks are on all exterior ...
Robberies occur less frequently than burglaries, but they can threaten the well-being of church employees because, unlike burglaries, they involve a personal threat or the actual use of force. Church employees should not resist a robber.
Church secretaries who are working alone at the church most often are the victims of robbery. In addition, individuals have been assaulted in ...
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