Two teenage attackers killed three men outside the Islamic Center of San Diego before taking their own lives, and the lesson for church security teams is that the fight stayed outside.
This is an example of why we are working to carve out a repeal or exemption to SB 1454 for houses of worship. Churches should retain the ability to protect their congregations without excessive state interference.
Under current California law, an armed security person serving at a church must possess a state-issued Guard Card, an Exposed Firearm Permit, and be employed through a licensed Private Patrol Operator/security company — even if that company is operated by the church itself.
Many churches are now facing increasing regulatory burdens simply for attempting to provide lawful protection for their members, staff, and children during worship services and church events.
Our church purchased two used police Ford Explorers, a blue and white, and an all-white (We also have a K-12 school). We spent about $20k total on them. Because they are barely driven, they will last for years and years. We marked them visibly with "Security" on the doors. They are parked on both sides of our complex in highly visible locations and moved daily by our security team. They are also used to patrol the parking lot during services. We have a total of 16 licensed armed security guards in our congregation who were specifically licensed to help the church. 3 or 4 of them are on the campus at all times doing other jobs, but connected by walkie-talkies. My main point is that the visibility of the cars (backed by the reality of armed security) really does serve as a powerful message and deterrent. The security vehicles are a suggestion for other congregations: to enhance security visibility and say out loud that we are a protected location.
Keith, thank you brother. This was an excellent analysis and I especially loved the “Biblical Perspective” section in this post. What an amazing charge to all who have chosen to walk this road. Keep up the great work brother!
Under current Florida law, an armed security person serving at a church must possess a state-issued Guard Card, an Exposed Firearm Permit, and be employed through a licensed Private Patrol Operator/security company — even if that company is operated by the church itself.
I've been practicing with a TitanX laser pistol and MantisX app for a month now, and have only once managed to draw and fire in under 2 seconds. I suspect the problem is that reaction times slow as we age.
Fortunately, accuracy of my shots has improved greatly. As Wyatt Earp said:"Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything."
It is indeed harder as you get older. I’ve always been sub two seconds. Usually hovering around a second and a half. As I get older, there are days that it’s three seconds. We just have to try harder as we age.
As John Bernard Books said in The Shootist, "it's not about being fast, it's about being willing." I'm "slow", as I practice moving to cover while drawing before shooting. In training, one learns about mistakes.
Even better is undercover vanilla nobodies at the front. That way when the bad guys pull out their weapons against the armed guard, they already have opposing firepower behind them they don't realize is there. Never give a crook an even break.
Thank you Keith for keeping us informed to help our folks stay safe. What concerned me most from watching the news coverage was the amount of officers responding to this one event. From the overhead view of the scene it looked like every black and white unit in San Diego county was there. What if this was a multi location attack, wouldn't that leave other locations without coverage?
As I believe Keith has said before, not everyone has to "go to guns." Yes, it's well to have competent armed security team members, but others are needed, as well. And, if some have specific duties or "doors", so much the better. God Bless you all.
If I may, I cannot answer your question, but may I suggest that your armed contingent be able to make the shot at whatever distance would be required and train/practice...not at stationary paper targets?
Spot on debrief! Thanks
This is an example of why we are working to carve out a repeal or exemption to SB 1454 for houses of worship. Churches should retain the ability to protect their congregations without excessive state interference.
Under current California law, an armed security person serving at a church must possess a state-issued Guard Card, an Exposed Firearm Permit, and be employed through a licensed Private Patrol Operator/security company — even if that company is operated by the church itself.
Many churches are now facing increasing regulatory burdens simply for attempting to provide lawful protection for their members, staff, and children during worship services and church events.
Very helpful information!
Great info Keith
Our church purchased two used police Ford Explorers, a blue and white, and an all-white (We also have a K-12 school). We spent about $20k total on them. Because they are barely driven, they will last for years and years. We marked them visibly with "Security" on the doors. They are parked on both sides of our complex in highly visible locations and moved daily by our security team. They are also used to patrol the parking lot during services. We have a total of 16 licensed armed security guards in our congregation who were specifically licensed to help the church. 3 or 4 of them are on the campus at all times doing other jobs, but connected by walkie-talkies. My main point is that the visibility of the cars (backed by the reality of armed security) really does serve as a powerful message and deterrent. The security vehicles are a suggestion for other congregations: to enhance security visibility and say out loud that we are a protected location.
Great info and debrief as always, Keith. Be blessed brother!
Excellent analysis with godly perspectives. Thank you Keith for alll you do!
thanks Keith, always learning.
Keith, thank you brother. This was an excellent analysis and I especially loved the “Biblical Perspective” section in this post. What an amazing charge to all who have chosen to walk this road. Keep up the great work brother!
Under current Florida law, an armed security person serving at a church must possess a state-issued Guard Card, an Exposed Firearm Permit, and be employed through a licensed Private Patrol Operator/security company — even if that company is operated by the church itself.
I've been practicing with a TitanX laser pistol and MantisX app for a month now, and have only once managed to draw and fire in under 2 seconds. I suspect the problem is that reaction times slow as we age.
Fortunately, accuracy of my shots has improved greatly. As Wyatt Earp said:"Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything."
It is indeed harder as you get older. I’ve always been sub two seconds. Usually hovering around a second and a half. As I get older, there are days that it’s three seconds. We just have to try harder as we age.
As John Bernard Books said in The Shootist, "it's not about being fast, it's about being willing." I'm "slow", as I practice moving to cover while drawing before shooting. In training, one learns about mistakes.
Even better is undercover vanilla nobodies at the front. That way when the bad guys pull out their weapons against the armed guard, they already have opposing firepower behind them they don't realize is there. Never give a crook an even break.
Thank you Keith for keeping us informed to help our folks stay safe. What concerned me most from watching the news coverage was the amount of officers responding to this one event. From the overhead view of the scene it looked like every black and white unit in San Diego county was there. What if this was a multi location attack, wouldn't that leave other locations without coverage?
Guessing 3-5 yards
As I believe Keith has said before, not everyone has to "go to guns." Yes, it's well to have competent armed security team members, but others are needed, as well. And, if some have specific duties or "doors", so much the better. God Bless you all.
What distance should the target be for the bill drill? Thank you for this excellent debrief.
If I may, I cannot answer your question, but may I suggest that your armed contingent be able to make the shot at whatever distance would be required and train/practice...not at stationary paper targets?
Thank you, that sounds like good advice.