On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, during an evening Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in Spokane, Washington, Rev. David Gaines was violently attacked in front of his congregation. The unprovoked assault on sacred ground, a place meant for peace and worship, serves as...
I don’t remember hearing the sound of the gunshots, but I can still hear the screams of my schoolmates. I will never forget the panic in everyone’s voices as we started hearing bits and pieces of information about what had just happened. Not many schools had protocols...
Human threats such as active shooters, trespassers, and suspicious persons pose significant risks in public spaces, including church parking lots. Understanding the prevalence of these threats and implementing effective strategies to address them is important for...
One of the often-overlooked aspects of church safety and security is regulatory change management. As my team conducts vulnerability assessments across the country, one recurring issue we encounter is a lack of structured processes for tracking and implementing...
Navigating the complexities of safety and emergency preparedness can often feel like navigating a labyrinth—especially for faith-based organizations (FBOs). In my work with numerous churches across the United States, I've observed a curious phenomenon: the hesitation...
This week law enforcement agencies in Middle Tennessee are actively investigating a series of troubling incidents targeting houses of worship. These events reflect an unsettling trend of threats and acts of violence directed at sacred spaces for multiple faiths. Arson...
2024 was a year where we saw church scandal after church scandal after church scandal. Let’s make 2025 the year we ditch the mindset that believes “That can’t happen here” and adopt the attitude “We can and must improve safety and security in every ministry of our...
As we step into 2025, ensuring the safety and security of your church is more important than ever. With evolving threats and heightened awareness of vulnerabilities, churches must proactively address security challenges. A solid security strategy not only safeguards...
In the early hours of January 1, 2025, at approximately 3:15 a.m. CST, a tragic incident unfolded on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. A 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Texas drove a rented Ford F-150 truck into a crowd of New Year's revelers, resulting in 15...
How Should Christian Schools Respond to the Threat of Gun Violence? Only three weeks ago, I was sitting in the head of school's office at a private Christian school in Minnesota discussing gun violence and their response to such a threat. There were three real options...
As we step into 2025, church safety and security leaders face an ever-evolving landscape of challenges and opportunities. From technological advancements to addressing the rising tensions in society, this year brings a renewed focus on critical areas of improvement....
Thankfully, personal security threats for a church's employees tend to be extremely rare. However, for churches and nonprofits addressing polarizing issues amidst turbulent dynamics, provision of personal security for key employees may turn into a critically pressing...
SARGENT, an ASSA ABLOY Group brand known for innovative door lock and hardware solutions, is excited to announce the latest evolution of its 10X Line bored locks now featuring visual status indicators. Designed to provide clear, instantaneous confirmation of a door's...
With families drawing close in heartfelt reunions and congregations deeply immersed in celebrating the birth of Christ, the Church's holiday season emerges as a beacon of unity, and spiritual devotion. Yet, amidst these cherished moments, the modern church faces...
During a finance meeting last week, I received a call from a church leader. They were discussing the adoption of a safety and security plan for their 130-member congregation. The only question they wanted me to answer was, "Are these plans nice to have or need to...
The 2024 election season has been highly charged, reflecting the passion and diverse perspectives of our nation. In the aftermath of such a closely contested race, it’s important to recognize that some institutions, including houses of worship, may face increased...
High-resolutioCorbin Russwin, an ASSA ABLOY Group brand, introduces the newest function for our ML2000 Series mortise lock - Motorized Electric Latch Retraction (MELR). Engineered for demanding commercial, institutional, and industrial applications, these new locks...
A Cautionary Tale: What Happened and Why? In November 2024, Kaitlyn Fisher, a 31-year-old former administrative executive assistant for The Presbytery of Kendall in Idaho Falls, Idaho, was sentenced to three to ten years in prison for embezzling over $330,000. The...
Security and other video camera usage has become nearly ubiquitous these days. Nonprofits regularly install and often use cameras around entryways for security purposes and for monitoring children’s programs, as well as for now similarly commonplace videoconferences....
RGB Spectrum®, a leading designer and manufacturer of real-time video solutions for defense and public safety, announces the release of the IPX Flyaway Kit™. A complete, miniaturized mobile control room, it provides a comprehensive suite of display and...
You may have noticed a new title when you opened up your emailed newsletter today, or maybe a slightly different look to the masthead. You're not imagining it, the titles did change. To celebrate a full year of our vertical newsletters, we've altered the titles to...
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