House of Worship: Is the concern Spiritual or Safety?
James Hamilton
Founder, Hamilton Security Group, LLC | Personal Security Expert | Keynote Speaker |Former FBI Special Agent
The radio traffic indicates a man, approximately 35, entered the front door of the Church wearing a hoodie and it is about 90 degrees today. The greeter said hello and offered a pamphlet about the service, but the man did not take it. The team members inside say they see him, and he is seated on the aisle, second row from the stage.
?Service is starting, all the people are on their feet singing and smiling. He is not. He is still seated and staring intently at the Cross. The Pastor goes on stage to deliver his sermon, the guy is still just sitting and staring. The people are smiling and praying – he is not.
?As the Pastor gets toward the end of the sermon, he mentions the importance of baptism and the need for all believers to publicly show their commitment and today, all will be given an opportunity to come forward. The guy is now very interested – he is paying attention. The Safety Team notices a bit of perspiration on the guy’s forehead. As the Pastor counts down, “3-2-1”, for those to come forward – the guy is starting to fidget in his chair. The Pastor gets to “1” and the guy jumps up and starts moving to the stage.
?Is this a Safety concern or is this a Spiritual matter?
?If the Safety Team overreacts, they risk embarrassment and possible civil litigation. If they do not react at all, they risk possible assault or even death. What to do? This is where their training, experience, and positioning will certainly determine the outcome.
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?Hopefully the Safety Team has been trained by an expert. Someone who understands nuance and the similarities between pre-attack indicators and someone giving their life to the Lord. They manifest very similarly. Hopefully the Safety Team has not limited it’s training to only firearms. Can you shoot this guy at this moment? Hopefully the team has more tools on their tool-belt – if they are only carrying a hammer, the whole world looks like a nail.
?The scenario above is real. It is something I have seen doing House of Worship protection for more than 20 years. If you are interested in how to handle a situation like this, contact me for a House of Worship training and assessment. https://www.hamiltonsecuritygroup.com/services
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Director of Strategic Initiatives Excellence in Policing and Public Safety Program at the Joseph F. Rice School of Law at the University of South Carolina
2 个月James Hamilton great reminder and training opportunity that clerical Leaders should take advantage. The Bible specifically speaks about protecting the flock and serving others. Doesn’t security and protection appear in many different verses and direction of God?
Consultant, Coach & Trainer with focus on (inter)national (staff) security and intelligence.
2 个月Very interesting read!