Reality Based Training Policy for Church Security Teams

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)

"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

In today's increasingly uncertain world, ensuring the safety and security of religious institutions has become a pressing concern. To effectively protect congregations and maintain a secure environment, church security teams must be well-prepared to respond to a wide range of potential threats. One of the most effective ways to build this preparedness is through Reality-Based Training (RBT). RBT is a practical, hands-on approach to training that simulates real-world situations, helping security team members develop the skills, confidence, and knowledge necessary to respond effectively during emergencies. But what exactly is RBT?

What is Reality Based Training?

Reality-Based Training is a practical, hands-on training approach that emphasizes realistic and immersive simulations of real-world situations. RBT aims to provide participants with a safe environment where they can practice and develop their skills, decision-making abilities, and responses to potential security incidents. This type of training often incorporates role-playing, scenario-based exercises, and the use of specialized equipment, such as training firearms with marking rounds, to create an authentic experience that closely resembles actual emergencies.

Why Should You Be Doing Reality Based Training?

There are several compelling reasons why church security teams should incorporate RBT into their training programs:

1. Enhances Situational Awareness: RBT helps security team members develop a heightened sense of situational awareness, enabling them to quickly identify potential threats and make informed decisions when faced with an emergency.

2. Builds Teamwork and Communication: Working together in realistic scenarios fosters better communication and coordination among team members, which is crucial in effectively managing security incidents.

3. Improves Response Strategies: By practicing various scenarios, security team members can refine their response strategies and learn from their experiences, ultimately leading to more effective and efficient responses to actual incidents.

4. Develops Confidence and Competence: RBT allows team members to become more comfortable with their roles and responsibilities, as well as the equipment and resources they may need to use during emergencies.

5. Ensures Compliance with Standards: Having a well-defined policy for RBT helps ensure that training exercises adhere to legal, ethical, and moral standards, reducing the risk of liability and maintaining the integrity of the security team.

In conclusion, implementing Reality-Based Training and establishing a clear policy is essential for church security teams to be prepared for potential threats. Incorporating RBT into your training program will not only enhance your team's capabilities but also contribute to the overall safety and security of your church community.

---

Policy for Reality Based Training for Church Security Teams

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction

2. Objectives of Reality-Based Training

3. Roles and Responsibilities

4. Training Environment and Safety

5. Training Scenarios

6. Equipment and Resources

7. Debriefing and Evaluation

8. Training Schedule and Frequency

9. Conclusion

This Reality-Based Training (RBT) Policy and Instruction Manual is designed to provide guidance for church security teams in the development, implementation, and evaluation of effective training programs. RBT is a critical component of an overall security plan, as it helps prepare team members for real-world situations and enhances their ability to respond effectively during emergencies.

2. Objectives of Reality-Based Training

The primary objectives of RBT for church security teams are to:

• Enhance situational awareness and decision-making abilities.

• Improve communication and coordination among team members.

• Develop appropriate response strategies for various security incidents.

• Build confidence and competence in handling security equipment.

• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and moral standards.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

The church security team should designate a training coordinator who will be responsible for:

• Developing and updating the RBT program in accordance with this manual.

• Coordinating and scheduling training sessions.

• Ensuring the safety of all participants.

• Evaluating the effectiveness of the training and implementing improvements.

4. Training Environment and Safety

Safety is paramount during RBT exercises. The training coordinator should:

• Select a controlled environment for conducting the training, such as a designated area within the church or a separate training facility.

• Conduct a thorough safety briefing before each session, emphasizing the importance of following safety protocols and using protective gear.

• Utilize safety equipment, such as training firearms with marking rounds, safety goggles, and padded clothing, as appropriate for the scenarios.

• Establish a safety word or phrase to immediately halt the exercise in case of an emergency or safety concern.

5. Training Scenarios

The training coordinator should develop a variety of realistic scenarios based on potential security threats, such as:

• Intruders attempting to gain unauthorized access to the church.

• Suspicious behavior or packages.

• Medical emergencies.

• Fires or natural disasters.

• Hostile or violent individuals.

• Active shooter situations.

Scenarios should be designed to challenge participants' decision-making abilities, teamwork, and communication skills. Regularly update and modify scenarios to maintain their relevance and effectiveness.

6. Equipment and Resources

The following equipment and resources may be necessary for RBT exercises:

• Training firearms with marking rounds.

• Radios or communication devices.

• First aid kits and medical supplies.

• Fire extinguishers and emergency equipment.

• Props and materials for creating realistic scenarios.

7. Debriefing and Evaluation

After each RBT session, conduct a debriefing to discuss the exercise and identify areas for improvement. Encourage open communication and constructive feedback among team members. The training coordinator should evaluate the effectiveness of the training based on participants' performance, feedback, and observed improvements in skills and knowledge.

8. Training Schedule and Frequency

Schedule RBT sessions on a regular basis to maintain and enhance the skills and knowledge of the church security team. The frequency of training sessions may vary depending on the team's needs, but it is recommended to conduct RBT exercises at least quarterly.

9. Conclusion

Reality-Based Training is a vital component of a comprehensive church security plan. By following the guidelines outlined in this manual, church security teams can improve their ability to protect their congregations and ensure a safe environment for all. Regularly review and update the RBT program to maintain its effectiveness and address emerging security concerns.