Why You Need Church Security Policy For Your Church Security Team
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Why You Need Church Security Policy For Your Church Security Team
Having a church security policy in place for your church security team is crucial for several reasons. One of the main reasons is:
The Church Security team knows what is expected of them
A church security policy provides clarity and consistency. It outlines the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of the security team members, helping everyone to be on the same page. It also provides guidelines for action, which helps the team act swiftly and effectively. Furthermore, the policy can serve as a foundation for the church security training enhancing teammates preparedness.
Church Security Policy Examples:
“Each applicant must be over eighteen (18) years of age, complete an application, background check, and Child Abuse Training, have an interview with the Director, and execute this Policy and Procedure before starting a ninety (90) day probationary period.”
The church security policy provides detailed instructions from the time an applicant shows interest in the ministry through resignation, suspension, or termination.
“Security, other than Pastoral protection, should not be focused on the Pastor.”
If I see a teammate, who is responsible for protecting the congregation (not Pastoral protection), watching the Pastor, I’m thinking… the Pastor is not the threat!
There is clearly a misunderstanding about expectations; so, it would be helpful for me to clarify what is expected of the security team members in their Church Security Policy.
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I could go over this information with that specific teammate, but then I would have to verbally explain this to every other church security team member for years to come. Having a church security policy avoids repetition and room for error!
Another church security policy example is: “Team members should not close their eyes or bow their heads in prayer while performing church security duties.”
The church security policy is a form of instructions for the church security team, so each teammate can do their best to carry out the team’s mission.
It also gives church security team leaders authority to stand on. For example, if the teammate signs the church security policy and then violates it, he/she can be suspended or terminated from the team.
Most importantly…
Church Security Policy protects the Church Security Team
If the teammates adhere to the church security policy, then they should be protected by the Church (e.g., covered by the Church’s liability insurance) from personal liability.
Meaning, as long as they were acting within the scope of their delegated authority, they should not be held personally liable for damages (e.g., personal injury damage) they become obligated to pay as a result of enforcing the church security policy. You can read more about Protecting Your Church Security Team from Personal Liability here!
In conclusion, there are several reasons why it is crucial for a church to have a security policy in place for its church security team. Such as, providing clarity and consistency, guidelines for action, a foundation for training and preparation, and liability protection. By establishing and adhering to a comprehensive security policy, churches can proactively address security concerns and create a safer environment for its congregants and volunteers!
What tips do you have about drafting Policy and Procedure? Comment below!
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If you know a Pastor, Church Security leader, or Church leader that would benefit from this information, then please share this blog post with them!
About the Author: Lori Corini is an attorney admitted to practice law in the state of New York, an NRA Pistol Instructor and Range Safety Officer, a NYS licensed armed guard, and Director of Safety and Security and a Board Member at her Church.