NEWS & ARTICLES
FROM CHURCH SECURITY SOLUTIONS
California Self-Defense and Use of Force
Duty to Retreat, Aggressor Rules, and Governing Legal Framework Executive Summary California does not have a stand-your-ground statute, but California appellate courts have held since 1923 that there is no duty to retreat before using force in self-defense when a person is not at fault. The rule is applied through jury instruction CALCRIM No. 3470
Less-Lethal Tools for Unlicensed Volunteers at California Houses of Worship: A Compliance Guide
Pepper Spray, Byrna Launchers, Bear Spray, and What California Law Actually Permits A recurring question from California houses of worship: “Our volunteers do not hold CCW permits or BSIS licenses, and we are not in a position to stand up a Private Patrol Operator structure. Can they at least carry pepper spray, a Byrna, or
Your Volunteer Safety Team and SB 1454
Practical Answers to the Questions Houses of Worship Are Actually Asking Introduction California Senate Bill 1454, effective January 1, 2024, drew a clear legal boundary between regulated security services and permissible volunteer safety activity at houses of worship. For many congregations that have operated informal safety or security teams for years, the law created immediate
Bringing Live Scan Fingerprinting In-House
A Strategic Approach to Background Screening for Nonprofit Organizations, Houses of Worship, and Private Schools Executive Summary Background screening requirements for employees, volunteers, and contractors working with children and vulnerable populations continue to expand across the United States. California’s Assembly Bill 506 (AB 506) exemplifies this trend, mandating comprehensive background checks and training for anyone
A Guide to the FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program
Protecting Your Congregation The safety of your congregation is not something you should have to face alone—and you don’t have to. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) administers the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), a federally funded initiative designed to help nonprofit organizations at high risk of terrorist attack strengthen their physical security. Houses of
Armed Volunteers and California Security Law
What Every House of Worship Needs to Know A Statute-Driven Analysis for Churches, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues, and Nonprofit Organizations Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Kearnan Consulting Group, LLC is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. Organizations and individuals should