Why You Need Church Security Policy For Your Church Security Team
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Why You Need Church Security Policy For Your Church Security Team
Let’s start with a couple of reasons why a Church Security Team should have its own Policy. One reason is so…
The Church Security team knows what is expected of them.
Church Security Policy Examples:
If I see a teammate, who is responsible for protecting the congregation (not Pastoral protection), watching the Pastor, I’m thinking… the Pastor is not the threat!
There is clearly a misunderstanding about expectations; so, it would be helpful for me to clarify what is expected of the Security Team members in their Church Security Policy.
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I could go over this information with that teammate, but then I’d have to verbally explain this to every other Church Security team member; having Church Security Policy avoids repetition and room for error!
Another Church Security Policy example is for team members not to close their eyes or bow their heads in prayer while performing Church Security duties.
The Church Security Policy is a form of instructions for the Church Security Team, so each teammate can do their best to carry out the team’s mission.
It also gives Church Security Team leaders authority to stand on. For example, if the teammate signs the Church Security Policy and then violates it, he/she can be suspended or terminated from the team.
Most importantly…
Church Security Policy protects the Church Security Team!
If the teammates adhere to the Church Security Policy, then they should be protected by the Church (e.g., covered by the Church’s liability insurance) from personal liability.
Meaning, as long as they were acting within the scope of their delegated authority, they should not be held personally liable for damages (e.g., personal injury damage) they become obligated to pay as a result of enforcing the Church Security Policy. You can read more about Protecting Your Church Security Team from Personal Liability here!
For now, I just want you to understand the value of the Church Security Policy, and to take it’s drafting seriously.
I know how challenging and time-consuming drafting Church Security Policy can be! I drafted the Church Security Policy for my teammates and ran into all sorts of legal and insurance issues.
That’s why I have created this website and blog with resources for Church Leaders and Church Security Teams! Such as, this blog post titled “Developing a Church Security Plan to Protect the Children's Ministry.”
What tips do you have about drafting Policy and Procedure? Comment below!
You may be interested in reading these blog posts:
If you know a Pastor, Director of Safety and Security, or Church Leader that would benefit from this information, then please share this blog post with them!
About the Author: Lori Corini is an attorney admitted to practice law in the state of New York, an NRA Pistol Instructor and Range Safety Officer, a NYS licensed armed guard, and Director of Safety and Security and a Board Member at her Church.
Background checks for Church staff and volunteers. All Background Check bundles include Child Safety Training.