Houses of Worship
Today, Houses of Worship face distinct safety and security concerns that were not prevalent years ago. Balancing safety with a serene environment is crucial. We help ensure that worship spaces remain safe and welcoming without compromising core values.
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We are a secular, non-denominational organization committed to providing the same care and expertise to every congregation, regardless of faith, location, or resources. We collaborate with you to help safeguard and protect small to large-sized houses of worship interested in establishing faith-based safety teams.
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We will also help create your Emergency Operation Plan, mandated through Legislation S721, for any House of Worship with the capacity to seat 500 or more people.
Because every citizen has the right
to worship in peace.
Unfortunately, religious institutions may be specifically targeted for several reasons, with two primary factors standing out. First, religious institutions often attract large gatherings of people, making them appealing targets for those aiming to inflict mass casualties. Second, these environments are usually welcoming and open to newcomers, making them easier to access and less likely to have strict security measures in place. Such attacks are also expected to generate widespread media attention.
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However, even small, unobtrusive security measures—like having a "Welcoming Committee" greet people as they arrive—can significantly enhance the safety of a congregation.​
Because every House is unique, each program is tailored to meet your specific needs.
WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOUR HOUSE OF WORSHIP:
Safety Teams - Developing and Training
A dedicated Safety Team provides comfort to the congregation by ensuring there are alert members ready to guide and protect them if issues arise. We will assist in establishing, implementing, and training an optimal team tailored to your congregation's specific needs.
Our approach includes setting up the Team, helping to establish appropriate policies and procedures, instructing about patrolling and maintaining a secure environment, highlighting the importance of clear and efficient communication, and preparing the team on how to handle various challenges, ensuring they are
equipped to manage any situation that arises.
De-escalating Disruptive People
We'll introduce you to the concept of verbal de-escalation and its critical role in managing typical safety issues. Our training will cover:
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Understanding Verbal De-Escalation: Learn why it is essential for handling conflicts and maintaining a safe environment.
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Basic Skills: Acquire the fundamental techniques to stay calm and effectively defuse potentially problematic situations.
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Observation and Practice: Gain hands-on experience by observing and practicing verbal de-escalation skills in realistic scenarios.
By mastering these skills, your Safety Team will be better equipped to manage security issues smoothly and maintain a positive atmosphere within your congregation.
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By mastering these skills, your Safety Team will be better equipped to manage security issues smoothly and maintain a positive atmosphere within your congregation.
Active Shooter/ Active Assailant
Active shooter events are shocking and traumatic. Our training is designed to help individuals prepare for such an event and provide guidance on how to cope in the aftermath.
Our program is a fun, interactive, scenario-based training that covers the nature of these attacks, how to minimize the likelihood of being targeted, the most effective ways to respond during an attack, what to anticipate once it is
over, and how to transform drills into an eagerly anticipated event for everyone.
Understanding NJ Use of Force Laws
It is important for any religious establishment to understand the legal factors that affect its safety and security teams. Understanding the legal responsibilities and limitations of safety team members is necessary for protecting both the team and the organization from potential criminal and civil liabilities.
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We will cover deadly and non-deadly force, self-defense and the defense of others, reasonable belief, and more.
Child Safety
​Children are the heart of every congregation, and their safety is our top priority. Sadly, sexual abuse of minors has become the most common lawsuit against religious institutions for years. Protecting our youngest members is paramount. Join us to learn essential child protection procedures, recognize signs of abuse, identify vulnerability, establish effective protocols, and conduct legally compliant background checks.
Safety Team to Security Team
Get Your Team SORA Certified with Us!
The state of New Jersey requires security officers to be SORA certified, and we are licensed to provide the necessary training. Whether you need to certify your entire team or just a few key members, we've got you covered.
For groups of 8 or more, we can even bring the class to your location!
Learn more about SORA certification on our SORA page.
Emergency Operation Plan (compliance with Legislation S721 )
In 2022, New Jersey enacted legislation (S721) mandating that certain public venues and places of worship submit emergency plans to law enforcement agencies. This measure aims to prepare for mass casualty and active shooter events.
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This requirement applies to any place of worship with a seating capacity of more than 500 people. Creating these
plans can be complex and time-consuming. They must be submitted to the local police department and other emergency services, including a copy of the building layout that identifies both internal and external access routes. Additionally, these plans must be updated and resubmitted annually.
We can assist in developing a comprehensive and practical emergency plan. Our service includes both the creation of the plan and its submission to the appropriate authorities, ensuring compliance with the law.
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For more information, please see Bill S721 and Governor Murphy Signs Legislation to Enhance Security for Large Venues.