ASIS International is the preeminent organization for security professionals.

Founded in 1955, ASIS is dedicated to increasing the effectiveness and productivity of security professionals by developing educational programs and materials that address broad security interests, such as the ASIS Annual Seminar and Exhibits, as well as specific security topics. By providing members and the security community with access to a full range of programs and services, and by publishing the industrys No. 1 magazineSecurity ManagementASIS leads the way for advanced and improved security performance.

Houses of Worship Security Resource Guide Copyright 2009 ASIS International ISBN 978-1-887056-97-7 All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to individual users to download this document for their own personal use, with acknowledgement of ASIS International as the source. However, this document may not be downloaded for further copying or reproduction; nor may it be sold, offered for sale, or otherwise used commercially. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Houses of Worship Security

Resource Guide

ASIS Houses of Worship Security Working Group

Houses of Worship Security Working G r o u p C h a r t e r

Security management, crime prevention and emergency planning are just a few of the areas that are of growing importance for applying proper risk management principles to houses of worship. During a security briefing a former Secretary of State identified faith based organizations as being in the top five at risk sectors in the world. This working group is a cross council collaboration involving councils where various aspects of houses of worship and faith based organizations security are coordinated. The four main goals of this working group are: Creation of the Houses of Worship Security Resource Guide Implementation of a one-day stand-alone or pre-seminar houses of worship security educational program Recruitment of additional security professionals that work in this sector to join that ASIS membership base Determination if a stand-alone houses of worship security council should be formed The Houses of Worship Security Resource Guide is designed for use by full-time security professionals in this industry, full-time security professionals in other industries that may also be serving their own house of worship in a part-time or volunteer capacity, and other houses of worship staff members that may not have a dedicated security professional on staff in a full-time, part-time or volunteer capacity. The content of this guide is not the recreation of already developed works in this area. This guide is a compilation of the various resources that are already available.
www.asisonline.org/councils/HOWSWG.xml

Working Group Members

Don Knox, CPP, Caterpillar Crisis Management and Business Continuity Council
www.asisonline.org/councils/CRISIS.xml

Les Cole, CPP, Leslie Cole Association, Inc. Crime and Loss Prevention Council
www.asisonline.org/councils/CRIM.xml

James Williams, Williams Association, LLC Crime and Loss Prevention Council
www.asisonline.org/councils/CRIM.xml

Scott Gane, CPP, Gane Security Solutions, LLC Fire and Life Safety Council
www.asisonline.org/councils/FIRE.xml

Scott Watson, CPP, IDEXX Laboratories Crisis Management and Business Continuity Council
www.asisonline.org/councils/CRISIS.xml

Eddie Hall, CPP, Corporate Security Consultants Crime and Loss Prevention Council
www.asisonline.org/councils/CRIM.xml

Jeff Hawkins, Christian Security Network Museum, Library & Cultural Properties Council
www.asisonline.org/councils/MLCP.xml

Greg Gilbert, CPP, Gilbert & Associates, LLC Crisis Management and Business Continuity Council
www.asisonline.org/councils/CRISIS.xml

Sandra Sandiford-Carr, PSP, Caribbean Court of Justice Fire and Life Safety Council
www.asisonline.org/councils/FIRE.xml

Houses of Worship Security Resource Guide

Securing Houses of Worship: A Community Service Manual for ASIS Chapters

This manual describes a serious but often overlooked problem that potentially affects all our communities: acts of violence against houses of worship. More importantly, this manual provides direction to ASIS chapters interested in pursuing community crime prevention projects that can hinder if not stop these insidious crimes. By partnering with local colleges to protect houses of worship, ASIS chapter members can become resources for community protection, share their expertise and professionalism with community leaders, and give guidance to aspiring security students. PDF
www.asisonline.org/toolkit/securing_houses_worship_asis.pdf

Securing Houses of Worship II

Securing Houses of Worship II is an ASIS Foundation initiative, which serves as a follow-on to the original effort. The objective is to provide basic tools for both the security professional and leaders of religious congregations, helping them to better address relevant assets protection needs. It also helps them recognize the increasingly broad spectrum of risks facing todays faith based community and aims to reinvigorate professional security assistance to that sector. PDF
www.asisonline.org/toolkit/securing_houses_worship_ii_exec_ summary_asis.pdf

Security Recommendations for Houses of Worship

Security recommendations for Houses of Worship are intended to assist religious organizations in developing awareness and security for incidents that may occur during their official functions. The recommendations are not regulations or guidelines and should not be construed as such. Hence, they are not binding and are designed to assist organizations in providing useful and learned practices. Further, some practices for particular functions may be developed later as situations change in the religious environment. PDF
www.asisonline.org/councils/documents/CRIM_ HousesOfWorshipProject.pdf

ASIS International

Securing Houses of Worship After 9/11: A Community Service Project of ASIS Florida West Coast Chapter
The Florida West Coast Chapter of ASIS recognizes the need for all Houses of Worship to be secure. Working with national, state and local law enforcement agencies ASIS offers its own extensive resources to help make Houses of Worship more secure. This document was designed to provide a conduit of site-security help and knowledge to the religious community free of charge. Our world has changed and with that, the importance that all citizens understand that they need to be prepared and prudent in their daily lives. ASIS is not highlighting or encouraging panic, we are presenting sound security practice & principles that everyone should and can be implementing as a habit. PDF
www.asisonline.org/toolkit/securing_houses_worship_after_911.pdf

PPT

www.asisonline.org/toolkit/securing_houses_worship_fl.ppt

Crime Prevention For Houses of Worship

Criminals are increasingly targeting Worship centers. They prey in parking lots and in the worship facilities. Worshipers are intent on prayer and worship and are less focused to the crime risks contemporary to our time. Crime Prevention for Houses of Worship is designed to help clergy, church laity, and crime prevention specialists implement positive and affirming security approaches in worship centers. Properly administered crime prevention approaches can enhance the worship experience, rather than detract from it.
www.abdi-secure-ecommerce.com/asis/p54-1397.aspx

PDF

www.asisonline.org/images/store/product-support/1397toc.pdf

Church Mutual Insurance Safety Resources Center

The Church Mutual Safety Resources Center offers an array of free safety, security, fire and emergency management videos, booklets, posters and newsletters.
www.churchmutual.com/index.php/choice/risk/page/intro/id/21

Houses of Worship Security Resource Guide

GuideOne Insurance Center for Risk Management

The GuideOne Center offers you a wealth of information, tools, services, and resources to help minimize risks and prevent losses. Training programs, seminars, workbooks, videos, checklists, fact sheets, newsletters, an online bookstore and more are available through the Center. Anyone can use these resources, which are either free or very affordable.
www.guideone.com/center.htm

SafeChurch
GuideOne Insurance and Group Publishing have teamed together for the creation of SafeChurch. SafeChurch provides access to safety and security resources, training modules, and a risk assessment tool to help protect church members, buildings and ministry.
www.safechurch.com

Brotherhood Mutual Insurance SafetyCentral

SafetyCentral is Brotherhood Mutuals online library of safety, security and risk management materials created especially for churches and related ministries. SafetyCentral provides a variety of resources to help minimize risks and protect people. Brotherhood Mutual is committed to safe ministry and encouranges you to take advantage of all of their free safety resources.
www.brotherhoodmutual.com/safetycentral

ChurchSafety
Brotherhood Mutual Insurance and Christianity Today Magazine have joined forces to bring together a wealth of expert advice and risk management information on a broad range of safety, security and emergency topics. ChurchSafety is dedicated to bringing churches valuable information and tools to help operate safely including free articles and safety assessments as well as affordable premium content.
www.churchsafety.com

ASIS International

National Church Arson Task Force

The National Church Arson Task Force (NCATF) was formed as a result of the sharp increase in church arsons. President Clinton formed the NCATF in an effort to coordinate federal, state and local law enforcement in the battle against church arson. The NCATF is composed of the FBI, FEMA, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and DOJs Community Relations Service (CRS). ATF applies its expertise in arson and bombing investigations and its jurisdiction in federal arson statutes to investigating and apprehending those who attack houses of worship. The FBI brings its expertise in Civil Rights and Hate Crimes, applying these statutes when applicable. DOJ adds to the effort by providing attorneys to prosecute individuals burning houses of worship, applying the most appropriate statutes. Recognizing that cooperation between the public and law enforcement is essential in the fight against these crimes, the CRS assists by fostering positive relationships between communities and law enforcement. FEMA manages arson prevention and training programs. HUD brings its expertise in coordinating rebuilding programs to the task force. PDF
www.atf.gov/press/releases/2000/09/091500-atf-church-arsontask-force-report.pdf

Christian Security Network

The Christian Security Network is a national organization dedicated to the advancement of security, safety, and emergency planning for Christian churches, schools, ministries, and missionaries. CSN offers training through seminars, webinars, and training articles, offers a weekly newsletter and a host of other resources for churches and ministries.
www.christiansecuritynetwork.org

Houses of Worship Security Resource Guide

Introduction to Security & Emergency Planning for Faith Based Organizations

This book was written as a simple, easy to understand handbook for all faith based organizations. Contents include chapters on Emergency Plans, Background Checks, Safety in the Field, Electronic, Physical and Procedural Security. There are sample forms to assist in conducting your own risk assessment, handle bomb threats, and to develop emergency policies.
www.christiansecuritynetwork.org/index.php?option=com_virtuemart& page=shop.browse&category_id=3&Itemid=86

NFPA 909: Code for the Protection of Cultural Resources Properties - Museums, Libraries, and Places of Worship
This code shall apply to culturally significant structures and to their contents. Such structures include, but are not limited to, buildings that store or display museum or library collections, historic buildings, and places of worship. These structures also include spaces within other buildings used for such culturally significant purposes. 1.1.1 New Cultural Property Occupancies. The requirements of this code shall apply to the following: (1) New buildings or portions thereof used as a cultural property occupancy; (2) Additions made to a cultural property occupancy; (3) Alterations, modernizations, or renovations of existing occupancies; and (4) Existing buildings or portions thereof upon change of occupancy to a cultural property occupancy. 1.1.2 Existing Cultural Property Occupancies. The requirements of this code shall apply to existing buildings or portions thereof currently occupied as cultural property occupancies. Exception: An existing building housing a cultural property occupancy established prior to the effective date of this code shall be permitted to be approved for continued use if it conforms to or is made to conform to the provisions of this code to the extent that, in the opinion of the authority having jurisdiction, reasonable life safety against the hazards of fire, explosion, and panic is provided and maintained.
www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=909

ASIS International

Church Security Alliance

The church security alliance is an online community of pastors and laymen and women who have a shared concern for the safety and well being of their congregation. Membership gives access to training videos podcasts, articles, newsfeeds, forums, etc. Church Security Alliance helps regular folks to develop church security and safety plans to protect their churches and to stay informed about security incidents in churches around the world.
churchsecuritymember.com

Security for Houses of Worship, the Complete Guide

With escalating acts of violence against facilities and leaders, Security for Houses of Worship, the Complete Guide provides security information for churches, synagogues, temples, and all personnel dealing with security issues in the religious environment.
www.hodgesecurity.com/gpage.html

House of Worship Security Network

The goal of the House of Worship Security Network is to help churches fulfill their mission safely and securely. The staff has firsthand knowledge about how churches operate and what the blessings and challenges of working in a church environment can be. Combined with experience and expertise in security and safety, they help you understand how to make your house of worship a safer, more secure place.
www.howsn.net

Houses of Worship Security Resource Guide

Church Safety and Security: A Practical Guide

The church has always been regarded as a safe haven - a spiritual sanctuary where people can come to worship God free from worries about violence or unethical behavior by those involved in church ministry. But our culture is changing, and church leaders can no longer assume that it wont happen in my church. Like the rest of society, churches need to ensure the safety and security of their facility, staff, and worshipers.This book provides a wealth of practical information on preparing for and responding to the challenges of a dangerous world. The book draws on more than two decades of law enforcement and investigative experience and outlines a how-to approach full of specific proactive steps churches can take to protect themselves and reduce the risk and costly lawsuits.
www.csspub.com/prod-0788023411.htm

Keeping Your Church Safe

When church leaders fail to provide for the well-being and protection of everyone involved in congregational programs, they are derelict in their duty to shepherd and protect the flock. A conscientious and well run safety program gives a sense of security and comfort to those who attend and helps provide an atmosphere where worship, fellowship, edification, and service can take place without incident. Keeping Your Church Safe is a practical blueprint for churches covering all aspects of church security and safety for staff, premises, and members. Its a well-outlined, easy-to-follow guide in establishing an effective security program for congregations of all sizes.
www.xulonpress.com/book_detail.php?id=6273

ASIS International

Church Security Solutions

The mission of Church Security Solutions is to develop a strategic foundation of security solutions against known and unknown threats for churches and pastors who seek a peace of mind by providing the highest level of discreet protection for their congregations, students and employees. CSS is committed to the highest standards of Godly ethics, professionalism, and legal behavior, and operates as a coordinated body of collective wisdom and experience in partnership with the pastors and their teams. The goal is to discover and implement manageable cohesive strategic solutions to security breaches, security threats, and security enhancing possibilities by using the most qualified individuals, methods, and state of the art technologies and processes.
www.churchsecuritysolutions.com

Secure Community Network: Houses of Worship

The Secure Community Network serves as the central address for the Jewish community concerning matters of communal safety, security, and all-hazards preparedness and response. SCN has established a coordinated approach for community wide notifications, crisis management, and security measures emphasizing security awareness, preparedness, and disaster recovery and resiliency. The synagogue is the most prevalent and arguably the most important institution in American Jewish life. The synagogue is classically depicted as the site for prayer, study and communal gathering. As a house of worship, the synagogue also serves as a place of companionship, communal identification, childrens education and information exchange. Synagogues are potential targets for terrorist attacks because of the ability to inflict casualties, instill fear and cause political impacts.
www.scnus.org/page.aspx?ID=102541

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