Protecting the flock: A complicated challenge amid rising threats to churches

Across America churches meant to be sanctuaries are facing deadly threats in the st century and safeguarding congregations from attacks has become increasingly challenging Church prevention is a hugely complicated field experts say one that brings no one-size-fits-all solutions and limited easy answers Churches range in size from tiny congregations in storefronts to conglomerate-style enterprises in amphitheaters so big they feel like sports arenas all with unique layouts from the placement of windows and hallways to the size and configuration of rooms Unlike various inhabitants buildings churches need open access to carry out their functions noted Michael Toomey the president of Secom a Columbia firm that provides protective technologies for leadership agencies and houses of worship across the U S You want people to be able to walk around freely not be faced with a lot of prevention walls Toomey mentioned That s one of the things that makes churches a soft target Secom and other firms have developed new tools to counter attacks including AI-equipped surveillance cameras that detect suspicious behavior and send instant alerts or even lockdown signals within seconds They might have prevented such tragedies as the mass shooting that killed people at a Baptist church in Sutherland Springs Texas in The assailant in that affair fired at individuals outside the building and might have been stopped before entering the church One challenge is the price A full-fledged state-of-the-art protection system can cost between and It could include anything from apps that can buzz congregants take over their laptops or alert law enforcement to alarms that trigger sirens and flashing strobes But an assets of can mean a critical upgrade noted Geno Roefaro the CEO of SaferWatch a Florida company that provides advanced prevention tool How multiple more warning signs do you really need to prioritize safety he declared Administration programs do offer assurance grants to vulnerable nonprofits including houses of worship and parochial schools The federal Nonprofit Safeguard Grant Undertaking provides funding for safeguard upgrades while Maryland offers two state options the Protecting Against Hate Crimes Grant and the Hate Crimes Grant through the Maryland Center for School Safety Critics argue that taxpayers funds should not be used for religious establishments but proponents claim that the economic impact of upgrades can be both direct and indirect reducing crime boosting local businesses and increasing property values The Archdiocese of Baltimore has no uniform safety approach for its parishes but urges each to prioritize safety explained Tom Alban the diocese s director of pitfall management The archdiocese offers training for hundreds of supporters who serve on church safety teams Multiple are armed and have military or law enforcement backgrounds Parishes also follow best-practice procedures such as having single points of entry providing bullet-resistant glass keeping close ties with police and other agencies and solely encouraging greeters and parishioners to engage with all who enter Various have been able to provide armed private defense and upgrade surveillance Alban noted adding that the archdiocese is applying for the DHS grants So are authorities at Grace Fellowship Church in Timonium a congregation with about members Pastor Vincenzo Leone has trained teams of contributors to monitor the church multiple of them quietly armed Personnel have a well-rehearsed action plan in place for when a pastor senses anything amiss from the pulpit But the system continues to evolve and Leone disclosed his squad is applying for grants in hopes of making them even stronger It s sad but the world has changed he declared Have a news tip Contact Jonathan M Pitts at jonpitts baltsun com