Church Security

Merriam-Webster defines Complacency as a feeling of contented self-satisfaction, often while unaware of some potential danger, defect, or the like1.  It is a feeling of being satisfied with oneself or with a situation, so that you do not think any change is necessary2. Complacency is often unjustified and can be accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or

I often get questions from churches asking what level of safety and security they should provide, if any. I have talked with churches that opt for no planning or preparedness and others that are very prepared and equipped to respond to most scenarios.  A lot of the discussion seems to be around the resources available,

The below cases demonstrate the various ways in which churches can be held liable for negligence, premises liability, and failure to provide adequate security. They also emphasize the importance of implementing comprehensive risk management practices and adhering to the OSHA General Duty Clause to ensure the safety of congregants and visitors. In an increasingly complex world, faith-based organizations

I often get questions from organizations who prefer to not have a policy or procedure because they won’t get in trouble for violating a plan if it doesn’t exist.  Avoiding deliberate indifference starts with good policy. When writing policies and procedures, organizational leaders should anticipate potential risks and dangerous situations in their industry.  By clearly

Following a violent incident, a church may face lawsuits from victims or their families. These lawsuits often stem from the financial burdens associated with the loss of loved ones and the healthcare expenses of the victims. Legal action may be necessary to recover compensation through the church’s insurance policies or may be perceived as the

9th Circuit upholds California gun bans in some ‘sensitive’ places, but the state cannot enforce similar restrictions on Places of Worship and Faith-Based Organizations California Senate Bill 2 (SB 2) has faced significant legal challenges and developments. As a reminder this bill was “stayed” on January 6, 2024, and put on HOLD until further proceedings. 

Statistics on violent incidents and threats against faith-based organizations in the United States: These statistics highlight the ongoing challenges faced by faith-based organizations in ensuring the safety and security of their members.  Violent incidents and threats against faith-based organizations in the United States have unfortunately been a recurring issue across various religious groups, including Islam, Judaism, Hinduism,