Simple Tips to Protect Against Crime and Violence

Violence

Home > Emergencies > Violence > SIMPLE

Simple Tips to Protect Against Crime and Violence

Reach out to individuals who are in desperate need—without putting out the doormat for crime.
posted 5/14/2008

Try also: Emergencies, Gunman, Prevention, Prevention Plan, Prevention program, Robbery, Security, Violence

Ministry inevitably means working in some risky situations. You want to reach out to those individuals who are in desperate need—without putting out the doormat for crime. While there is no one right answer for all situations, here are a few simple ways you can reduce the risk.

Crime Prevention Best Practices

Conduct a security review. Take a good look at all of your church buildings and the immediate neighborhood to identify risks. You may need to call in outside help to objectively rate your security.
Consider a security system. Ask for recommendations and invite a sales representative to do a free security survey.
Appoint a security team. The security team can explore all options to improve security and conduct regular inspections.
Be prepared for visitors. It's no secret that helping the poor is a mission of the church. Be prepared for visitors asking for assistance. Train your workers on what information to collect and how to respond when approached by a stranger in need.
Be wary of the con artist. Con artists may have legitimate needs, but they rely on deception to garner assistance. Alert workers to red flags that they may be dealing with a con artist—like the use of guilt or urgency as a way to get what they want.

Violence Prevention and Response

Work with local police. Meet with police to discuss a violence response strategy. Offer to share blueprints of church facilities in the event a violent act occurs.
Create a lockdown policy. A lockdown policy helps limit a shooter's access and prevents innocent bystanders from getting in harm's way during police intervention. A well-conceived policy can save lives.
Train key personnel. Workers should know and employ de-escalation tactics when dealing with a potentially violent person. Point out individuals at risk for violent behavior as situations arise so additional monitoring can take place.
Educate the congregation. Inform the congregation of your violence prevention and response plan. Highlight any changes to existing procedures as a result of your planning efforts.