Is Fear Keeping Worshipers Away from Religious Establishments?
As acts of aggression and attacks continue to plague our nation, some wanting to go to a public place for worship may reconsider if they feel the risk has increased. Churches, temples, and synagogues are considered soft targets by reputable security guard firms due to multiple access points and large crowds. The last thing these essential facilities want is fear keeping people away. Administrators and leaders have increasingly relied on traditional security measures, but security must be re-evaluated today. To offer enough of a deterrent to those wanting to cause harm, reliable and expert security guards must be on site. Trained in coverage of religious facilities, some specific behaviors and activities occur before a planned event, and having security on site prevents many crimes and acts of violence from happening. Religious leaders do not want fear to keep worshipers from coming to their establishment for comfort, community, and peace. Hiring short-term private security for religious establishment security is an affordable approach to safety that many are grateful for when they arrive.
Churches, Temples, and Synagogues Are Considered Soft Targets According to Professional Security Companies
A soft target meets several criteria, which means it is a more vulnerable target for vandalism and crime. Soft targets typically have an “open door” policy, multiple ways to get in and out of the budling, and unsuspecting attendees and busy times where traffic is significantly heavier. Hence, why churches with multiple service times that may even overlap require the experience of an authority figure to maintain order and ensure the safety of anyone working or attending.
Tasks of Trained Security Guards at Religious Establishments
Some of the tasks of trained security guards at a religious establishment are controlling and monitoring critical access points, serving as an escort when needed, monitoring other surveillance equipment, identifying risks and providing immediate solutions for significant vulnerabilities, perimeter patrol, adhering to laws and regulations, carrying through any requests by the religious administrator, and reporting and documenting any suspicious activity or behavior.
Crowd Overwatch, Suspicious Behavior, and Traffic Control Assistance from Qualified Security Guards
The security guard’s role has multiple responsibilities. The need to expertly handle multiple tasks simultaneously is why religious leaders and administrators should be sure to hire only the best and most qualified security personnel for their religious establishment.
The first service that security personnel provides religious establishments is a tone of authority and order. In many cases, the security presence is enough of a deterrent for criminal activity. Whether armed or unarmed, the most qualified security personnel are trained and experienced in de-escalation and conflict management. Any disruptive behavior will be identified immediately and addressed before others are disturbed. Security guards who excel at their jobs are constantly working behind the scenes to ensure a safe time of worship and fellowship at religious establishments.
Another service that trained security personnel provide is identifying suspicious behavior. Although something obvious might trigger someone to notice, it is the subtle and tell-tell signs of someone with less than honorable intentions at a religious facility. Security guards trained in this field know what to look for and will always confidently take action to protect others.
Traffic control following an event of any significant size needs trained security guards. Schools across the nation are using police and sheriff personnel to help get parents in and out of pick-up lines, so how much more do religious establishments need this assistance? As large crowds leave a religious establishment, controlling traffic in the parking lot and into main streets is met with much more respect when an authority figure is directing.
Security Personnel Encourage Attendance for Worshipers
Hiring exceptional security guards to help inside and outside protect worshipers and encourage attendance. Americans learned to get their spiritual fulfillment online through lockdowns and closures. However, as the nation struggles to find its new norm, religious establishments should do everything they can to encourage people to come back in person. Leaders must be willing to invest in making people feel protected so they can worship without fear and have peace of mind during their attendance.
There are many security personnel providers, but finding the best and most reputable professional placement firm in the nation is essential. Security coordinators should handle quote requests with care and thoughtfulness so the best safety solution is affordable and appropriate for each unique situation. Americans deserve peace of mind when they seek refuge from the chaos of the outside world. As more people seek the sanctuary that religious establishments offer, ensuring their safety and protection is the only way to encourage increased attendance and involvement. Find an established security company with a fully vetted roster of trained and experienced guards. Don’t settle for average coverage at the lowest price. Instead, call around for quotes, and you may be surprised to find out the variety of coverage options available that make security affordable from the best providers in the nation.
