In Texas a volunteer security church team is not allowed to wear anything with “Security” printed on shirts, jackets, etc…it’s state law due to the PPO lobby…any suggestions? We are plain clothed with ear pieces now.
I'm a retired cop from California now living in Texas. In order to comply with state licensing for security personnel, the church I attend has an arrangement with a licensed private security company that licenses, vets, trains, etc. personnel selected by the church to act as security personnel (we call them Sheepdogs). We have a blend of fully uniformed security as well as plainclothes security mingling and sitting in the congregation. When I was in California it was not uncommon for churches to have off duty / retired law enforcement officers act informally as "armed monitors" in that they were observers who happened to be trained and armed due to their police jobs. At my church in California myself and other off duty cops worked in plainclothes and acted as ushers.
Being in Texas where many people are armed our pastor reminds attenders that in the event of an active shooter event to please stay down an let our security personnel take care of business. A well intentioned, armed church attender wanting to help or intervene can be problematic.
We also have our pastor acting as a lookout. He faces the entire sanctuary from the stage, a vantage point our security folks don't have. If HE sees something he uses a coded phrase to alert the team and may use a harmless looking gesture to direct security to look at or converge on a specific area.
I live in California and I am a part of our Church’s security team. Most of us are either Leo’s or Vets and have the training to know how to handle situations that might arise. We also train regularly to keep our skills sharp. There is no one getting into our church, period. Our mind set is that all violence stops in the parking lot. We also train for non-armed situations so we can as quietly and as quickly as possible deescalate and remove disruptions.
The only problem with that is it law-enforcement would have no idea your role is security. Remember the other two aspects of this is that law-enforcement can identify you so that there is not an accidental shooting. The other is that criminals can see you have authority from the church
Special high visibility and immediately deployable security hats and sashes are available thru restricted access security supplies vendors for such purposes.
Blue on blue shootings are always a possibility and this is especially possible with civilians, acting as security personnel, in plain clothes being observed by responding LEOs. In addition to working closely with local LE leaders to establish IFF protocols, church security personnel IMHO should practice less threatening stances when not actually aiming or holding a suspect at gunpoint. Guns at low ready when searching or protecting a zone is recommended.
In California blue (uniformed) on blue (undercover) issues were dealt with by one agency I worked with this way. The clip on / necklace badge was often too small for immediate ID under stress, etc. so undercover officers were issued a 5" x 8" (approx) laminated paper placard that was imprinted "POLICE" with a copy of the officer's ID card and a large badge logo of the agency. The placard was worn under clothing on a dogtag necklace. When going into action the officer would pull it out from under a shirt and it would hang in front giving a large form of ID. Just an idea that might apply to plainclothed church security.
In our church we’ve selected and use “GUARDIAN” in lieu of “Security”. That, with the earpieces, makes it pretty clear who we are, and dsmsafety.com makes Guardian sashes. Hope that helps.
As a resident of South Alabama, I hope this is a wake up call to everyone who believes crazy stuff like this only happens up north or out west. Thanks, Keith.
In Texas a volunteer security church team is not allowed to wear anything with “Security” printed on shirts, jackets, etc…it’s state law due to the PPO lobby…any suggestions? We are plain clothed with ear pieces now.
I'm a retired cop from California now living in Texas. In order to comply with state licensing for security personnel, the church I attend has an arrangement with a licensed private security company that licenses, vets, trains, etc. personnel selected by the church to act as security personnel (we call them Sheepdogs). We have a blend of fully uniformed security as well as plainclothes security mingling and sitting in the congregation. When I was in California it was not uncommon for churches to have off duty / retired law enforcement officers act informally as "armed monitors" in that they were observers who happened to be trained and armed due to their police jobs. At my church in California myself and other off duty cops worked in plainclothes and acted as ushers.
Being in Texas where many people are armed our pastor reminds attenders that in the event of an active shooter event to please stay down an let our security personnel take care of business. A well intentioned, armed church attender wanting to help or intervene can be problematic.
We also have our pastor acting as a lookout. He faces the entire sanctuary from the stage, a vantage point our security folks don't have. If HE sees something he uses a coded phrase to alert the team and may use a harmless looking gesture to direct security to look at or converge on a specific area.
I live in California and I am a part of our Church’s security team. Most of us are either Leo’s or Vets and have the training to know how to handle situations that might arise. We also train regularly to keep our skills sharp. There is no one getting into our church, period. Our mind set is that all violence stops in the parking lot. We also train for non-armed situations so we can as quietly and as quickly as possible deescalate and remove disruptions.
Just use “Safety”
Casual wear: something that says greeter or usher. That way you have a legitimate reason to interface with everyone upon entry.
Jacket & Tie: wear a color tie or color and style of jacket that denotes you as security to the fellow parishioners.
Carry church bulletins and hand one to everyone, especially the unknown, coming into service.
Politely and warmly interface with every entrant. It gives a not yet violent potential evil doer something to wonder about.
The only problem with that is it law-enforcement would have no idea your role is security. Remember the other two aspects of this is that law-enforcement can identify you so that there is not an accidental shooting. The other is that criminals can see you have authority from the church
Special high visibility and immediately deployable security hats and sashes are available thru restricted access security supplies vendors for such purposes.
Blue on blue shootings are always a possibility and this is especially possible with civilians, acting as security personnel, in plain clothes being observed by responding LEOs. In addition to working closely with local LE leaders to establish IFF protocols, church security personnel IMHO should practice less threatening stances when not actually aiming or holding a suspect at gunpoint. Guns at low ready when searching or protecting a zone is recommended.
In California blue (uniformed) on blue (undercover) issues were dealt with by one agency I worked with this way. The clip on / necklace badge was often too small for immediate ID under stress, etc. so undercover officers were issued a 5" x 8" (approx) laminated paper placard that was imprinted "POLICE" with a copy of the officer's ID card and a large badge logo of the agency. The placard was worn under clothing on a dogtag necklace. When going into action the officer would pull it out from under a shirt and it would hang in front giving a large form of ID. Just an idea that might apply to plainclothed church security.
In our church we’ve selected and use “GUARDIAN” in lieu of “Security”. That, with the earpieces, makes it pretty clear who we are, and dsmsafety.com makes Guardian sashes. Hope that helps.
My Brother Kieth
You wanna hear a good cat joke ???
Just kitten 😂👍🏻😜
😂
Keith, was there any insight on when this would happen? Thanks. GOD Bless
As a resident of South Alabama, I hope this is a wake up call to everyone who believes crazy stuff like this only happens up north or out west. Thanks, Keith.