Safeguarding Sacred Spaces: Enhancing Physical Security in Religious Institutions

It is often said that other countries view Canadians as polite, friendly people, we frequently have that view of ourselves. Many Canadians would find it hard to believe there is a problem with hate crimes, in particular hate crimes that target religious communities, in Canada. Even our Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Section 2) provides that Canadians are free to follow the religion of their choice, however this hasn’t stopped an increase in hate crimes taking place against religious communities across Canada.

The media seems to be reporting on hate crimes impacting Canadian religious communities on a regular basis, no religion appears to be exempt from this: through 2023 and into 2024 112 Christian churches in Canada have been vandalized, burned down or desecrated: Hindu temples have been attacked, there are frequent reports of Mosques and Synagogues being vandalized and their communities being harassed. In fact, Statistics Canada reports that in Canada in 2023, the religious community most frequently affected by religious hate crimes was the Jewish community, which accounted for 900 recorded religious hate crimes. The second most affected community was the Muslim one. In 2023, there were a total of 4,777 hate crimes in Canada reported to the police, of which 1,284 were religious hate crimes, it is important to note that these are just the ones that are reported to the police, how many go unreported?

Members of the OnPar team have had extensive experience with assisting religious communities, of all types, in ensuring an enhanced secure and safe environment for their members to worship in. Some of our team’s key takeaways from these projects are provided below.

Some of the most frequent security threats facing religious institutions in Canada include:

1. Vandalism and Graffiti: Places of worship can be targets for vandalism, including graffiti that may express hate or intolerance.
2. Hate Crimes: Some religious communities may experience hate crimes motivated by prejudice, including physical attacks or threats.
3. Cybersecurity Threats: Religious institutions increasingly use digital platforms for outreach and fundraising, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks, including hacking and data breaches.
4. Terrorism: Though rare, there have been incidents where places of worship have been targeted by extremists. This can include violent attacks during gatherings.
5. Social Media Misinformation: False information or inflammatory posts targeting religious groups can incite real-world violence or harassment.

Addressing these threats often involves collaboration with local law enforcement, community outreach, and implementing security measures to protect congregants and property. There are a variety of security measures that religious institutions can take to protect their congregations, facilities, and assets. Here are some key considerations:

Physical Security

·??????? Policy Development: Develop clear policies regarding the use of facilities, safety protocols, and incident reporting.

?·??????? Access Control: Implement controlled access points to limit entry to the premises. Consider using identification badges for staff and volunteers.

·??????? Surveillance Systems: Install security cameras in and around the facility to monitor activities. Ensure that cameras are placed in strategic locations, such as entrances and parking lots.

·??????? Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting around the building and parking areas to deter crime. Use motion-activated lights for additional security.

·??????? Security Personnel: Employ trained security staff for large events or regular services. Consider volunteer security teams from within the congregation.

Emergency Preparedness

·??????? Emergency Plans: Develop and communicate emergency response plans for various scenarios (e.g., active shooter, fire, natural disasters). Conduct regular drills to prepare staff and congregation members.

·??????? Communication Systems: Establish reliable communication methods (e.g., loudspeakers, text alerts) to inform attendees during emergencies.

Cybersecurity

·??????? Data Protection: Implement strong cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information (e.g., donor data, member records). Regularly update software and conduct vulnerability assessments.

·??????? Online Presence: Use secure platforms for online services and donations. Educate staff on recognizing phishing attempts and other cyber threats.

Community Engagement

·??????? Neighborhood Watch: Foster relationships with local law enforcement and neighboring institutions for support and collaboration. Encourage members to report suspicious activities.

·??????? Training and Awareness: Provide training for staff and volunteers on security awareness and emergency response. Promote a culture of vigilance among congregation members.

By combining these measures, religious institutions can create a safer environment for their communities while fostering a welcoming atmosphere. ?If your organization does not have the requisite inhouse experience then it may be worthwhile to reach out to a trusted Security Consultant for advice, or review the information provided by Public Safety Canada on the Canada Community Security Program website.

Terry Aucoin Sandy Turcotte Brittany Garrick Stephen Moore Gilles Sansterre OMM CD Matt Carter, C.E.T. Michaela C. Jasmine Doobay-Joseph????