How to Create a Volunteer Security Committee for Your House of Worship

A Practical Guide to Protecting Your Congregation Through Awareness, Preparation, and Community Cooperation

Houses of worship should be places of peace, reflection, and community. Unfortunately, the reality of today's world means that churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious institutions must take reasonable precautions to protect their congregants from potential threats.

While serious security incidents remain relatively uncommon, threats can be unpredictable, and even a small congregation should have a plan for responding to emergencies.

As the head of my own congregation's volunteer security committee, I've learned that effective security doesn't necessarily require an expensive professional security operation. A well-organized group of volunteers, working in cooperation with clergy, lay leadership, and local law enforcement, can make an enormous difference in a congregation's preparedness.

The goal isn't to turn your house of worship into a fortress. It's to create an environment where congregants can worship comfortably, knowing that responsible people are looking out for their safety.

Here are some practical steps for establishing and operating a volunteer security committee.

1. Establish a Committee and a Clear Chain of Command

The first step is to identify a small group of dependable congregants who are willing to take responsibility for helping protect the community.

Your committee should have a designated leader, with clearly defined responsibilities for each participating volunteer. Ideally, several members should be familiar with every aspect of the security plan so that the committee can function even when its leader is absent.

A clear chain of command is particularly important during an emergency. In a stressful situation, confusion and conflicting instructions can be dangerous. Congregants should know whom to listen to, and committee members should understand who has the authority to coordinate the response.

Establish a working relationship with your local police precinct or sheriff's department from the outset. Ask whether officers can conduct a security assessment of your building, review your emergency procedures, and recommend improvements.

A volunteer security committee is not a substitute for law enforcement. Its primary purpose is to help prevent incidents, recognize potential threats, communicate effectively, and guide congregants to safety until professional responders arrive.

2. Make Situational Awareness, Prevention, and Communication Your Priorities

The most effective security measures are often the simplest.

Committee members should focus on recognizing unusual behavior, identifying potential hazards, and communicating concerns before situations escalate.

Volunteers should remain attentive to their surroundings without making congregants or visitors feel uncomfortable.

When something appears unusual, the first response should generally be to observe, assess, and communicate rather than confront.

Establish a straightforward communication procedure so that volunteers can quickly notify the committee leader, clergy, building leadership, or law enforcement when necessary.

It's equally important to remember that suspicious behavior should be evaluated objectively. Clothing, religious appearance, ethnicity, unfamiliarity, or nervousness alone should never be treated as evidence of a threat.

3. Monitor Entrances and Exits

Controlling access to your building is one of the most useful responsibilities a volunteer security committee can undertake.

Whenever practical, assign a volunteer to greet visitors near the primary entrance during services and other gatherings.

This person serves two purposes: welcoming people into the congregation and maintaining awareness of who is entering the property.

A friendly greeting can also provide an opportunity to learn more about an unfamiliar visitor.

For example, you might ask:

• "Good morning! Are you joining us for services today?"

• "Have you visited our congregation before?"

• "Is there someone here you're hoping to meet?"

• "Can I help you find where you need to go?"

These questions should be asked naturally and respectfully. The objective is not to interrogate visitors or expect perfectly formulated answers. Instead, volunteers should pay attention to behavior, context, and whether someone appears to be attempting to bypass normal entry procedures.

If a visitor raises a legitimate security concern, follow a predetermined escalation procedure. This may involve asking the person to wait in a designated public area while a committee leader is contacted.

Volunteers should avoid physical confrontation, and entry procedures should comply with applicable laws and accessibility requirements.

Importantly, monitored entrances must never become obstacles to emergency evacuation. All required emergency exits must remain functional and unobstructed.

4. Develop Emergency Response Plans

Every house of worship should have written procedures for responding to several types of emergencies, including violent threats, medical incidents, fires, severe weather, and other situations requiring immediate action.

There is no single appropriate response to every emergency.

Depending on the circumstances, the safest course of action may be to evacuate, shelter in place, or move congregants into a more secure area.

For a violent threat, your committee should work with law enforcement to establish clear guidance on when to evacuate, when to shelter, and how to communicate those decisions.

If your local police department can provide information about typical response times, that may help with planning. However, response times can vary considerably, so your procedures should never depend on officers arriving within a specific number of minutes.

Your primary objective is to keep people safe until professional responders can take control of the situation.

5. Maintain a Dedicated Emergency Communications Phone

One simple precaution I strongly recommend is maintaining a dedicated mobile phone for emergency communications.

This phone should be charged, readily accessible to authorized volunteers, and configured so that emergency calls can be made immediately.

Program important contacts into the phone, including local law enforcement, emergency medical services, building leadership, and any relevant security personnel. In the United States, 911 should remain the primary contact for immediate police, fire, or medical emergencies.

Consider keeping a short emergency call script near the phone.

Under extreme stress, even ordinarily articulate people can have difficulty communicating clearly. A written prompt can make a tremendous difference.

Sample Emergency Dispatcher Script

"This is [name]. I'm calling from [house of worship name], located at [full street address]. We have an emergency involving [brief description]. The situation is currently [known status]. There are approximately [number] people in the building. Please send [police/fire/ambulance]. My callback number is [phone number]."

The caller should follow the dispatcher's instructions, answer questions, and avoid ending the call until directed.

Also consider maintaining a printed emergency contact list in case the phone becomes unavailable.

6. Identify Areas Suitable for Sheltering and Securing Doors

Walk through your building with committee members and identify areas that could provide protection during an emergency.

Pay particular attention to rooms with solid doors, reliable locking mechanisms, limited exposure to exterior windows, and adequate space for congregants.

Discuss with local law enforcement and fire officials how doors can be secured during a shelter-in-place emergency.

Some buildings may have furniture such as pews, tables, or bookcases that could potentially be used as temporary barriers. However, improvised barricades can create additional hazards, particularly if they block emergency exits or delay evacuation.

Any plans involving door reinforcement or barricading should be reviewed with qualified safety professionals and should never compromise required fire-safety protections.

Make sure volunteers understand the difference between securing a room against an immediate threat and preserving a safe evacuation route.

7. Identify Vulnerable Windows and Exposed Areas

During your building assessment, identify windows and other areas where congregants may be exposed to hazards from outside.

This is particularly relevant for buildings with large street-facing windows, glass entrance doors, or gathering areas immediately adjacent to public sidewalks.

If objects are thrown toward the building, or another external hazard develops, volunteers should know how to direct congregants away from exposed glass and into safer interior locations.

Consider whether security film, window coverings, improved exterior lighting, or other protective measures might be appropriate.

A professional building security assessment can help identify vulnerabilities that volunteers may overlook.

8. Establish Evacuation Routes and a Rendezvous Point

Not every emergency calls for sheltering in place.

Fires, gas leaks, certain medical emergencies, and other hazards may require immediate evacuation.

Your committee should know the building's evacuation routes and understand how to guide people toward the safest available exits.

Identify a primary outdoor assembly point sufficiently far from the building to avoid immediate hazards and allow emergency vehicles access. Consider a secondary location in case the first is unsafe.

Pay special attention to congregants with mobility limitations, hearing or vision impairments, or other circumstances that could make evacuation difficult.

Assign volunteers to assist individuals who may require help, and establish backup arrangements in case those volunteers are absent.

Periodically review these arrangements with the people who may need assistance rather than making assumptions about their capabilities.

9. Consider Designating a Safe Room

If your building's layout permits, consider identifying an interior room that can serve as a temporary refuge during certain emergencies.

An appropriate room may offer sturdy construction, a lockable door, limited exterior exposure, and sufficient space for the intended occupants.

Check whether mobile phones work reliably inside the room. If cellular reception is poor, explore alternative emergency communication arrangements.

A designated safe room should be evaluated with local emergency responders and building safety professionals. It should not be assumed to provide protection from every type of threat.

10. Conduct Regular Training and Emergency Drills

A security plan is only useful if the people responsible for implementing it understand what to do.

Schedule periodic committee meetings to review procedures, discuss concerns, and update assignments.

Practice scenarios such as:

• A suspicious person attempting to enter the building

• An emergency requiring shelter in place

• A fire requiring immediate evacuation

• A congregant experiencing a medical emergency

• A security incident occurring while the committee leader is absent

Develop concise, standardized commands that every committee member understands.

For example, "Evacuate through the rear exit" or "Move away from the windows" communicates a clear action without unnecessary explanation.

Avoid vague instructions that could be interpreted differently by different volunteers.

Make sure the congregation knows who serves on the security committee and understands that these individuals may provide emergency instructions.

Whenever possible, coordinate training with local law enforcement or qualified emergency preparedness instructors.

11. Establish Visible Security Patrols

For congregations without professional security personnel, periodic volunteer patrols can provide an additional layer of awareness and deterrence.

Patrols should focus on observing the property, identifying potential hazards, and reporting concerns.

Volunteers should never be expected to pursue suspects, physically intervene in dangerous situations, or perform duties for which they are not trained.

I strongly recommend that patrol volunteers wear clearly identifiable clothing.

This helps congregants recognize the people responsible for security and communicates to outside observers that the property has an organized security presence.

At Uniform Tactical Supply, several practical products can help establish a recognizable volunteer security presence:

• Rothco Security Caps: An economical way to identify committee members.

• Liberty Uniform Plain Raid Jackets: A useful option for cooler weather, offering a professional, coordinated appearance.

• High-Visibility Safety Vests: Lightweight and practical for warmer weather, outdoor events, and situations where visibility is especially important.

A simple arrangement is to provide each patrol volunteer with a security cap and either a high-visibility vest or a raid jacket, depending on the season.

Keeping several garment sizes available allows volunteers to share equipment as assignments rotate.

Be sure that identification is accurate and does not suggest that volunteers are sworn law enforcement officers. Consider using "Volunteer Security" or "Safety Team" markings where appropriate.

The goal is visibility, accountability, and reassurance rather than intimidation.

12. Know What to Look for During Patrols

Volunteer patrols should be attentive to unusual circumstances around the property.

Examples worth assessing include:

• Vehicles repeatedly lingering near entrances without an apparent purpose

• Individuals attempting to access restricted areas

• People closely observing security procedures or repeatedly testing entry points

• Unattended packages or objects that appear out of place

• Threatening, aggressive, or highly erratic behavior

• Attempts to conceal prohibited items or bypass established security screening

Unusual clothing, including heavy outerwear during warm weather, may occasionally warrant additional observation when combined with other concerning circumstances. However, clothing choices alone are not reliable indicators of dangerous intent.

Patrol volunteers should evaluate the totality of the circumstances and avoid assumptions based on personal appearance or unfamiliarity.

If an unattended object appears genuinely suspicious, do not touch or move it. Keep others away and contact law enforcement.

Most importantly, establish a procedure for documenting and communicating concerns. A suspicious observation that isn't reported to the appropriate person may provide little security benefit.

13. Carefully Consider the Question of Armed Security

Whether weapons should play any role in protecting a house of worship is a serious and deeply personal decision.

It should be informed by applicable laws, guidance from law enforcement, the wishes of clergy and lay leadership, insurance considerations, and the qualifications of anyone who might be authorized to carry a weapon.

Weapons can introduce significant legal, safety, and liability concerns.

In most circumstances, the lawful use of force is tightly restricted, and volunteers without substantial training may have difficulty making appropriate decisions under extreme stress.

Even individuals with extensive firearms experience may not be adequately prepared for the complexities of responding to a violent incident in a crowded house of worship.

For many congregations, an unarmed volunteer committee focused on observation, communication, evacuation, and emergency preparedness may be the most appropriate arrangement.

Other institutions may decide that professionally trained armed security is warranted.

Whatever the decision, it should be made through a formal process involving qualified legal counsel, law enforcement, insurers, and organizational leadership rather than individual volunteers acting independently.

14. Encourage the Entire Congregation to Participate in Safety

Security should not be the exclusive responsibility of a small committee.

Encourage congregants to remain reasonably aware of their surroundings, report unusual circumstances, and look out for one another.

This doesn't mean asking people to become suspicious of everyone they encounter. It means developing a culture of attentiveness and mutual responsibility.

For example, if an elderly congregant or someone living alone is walking to services, consider organizing a walking group or offering a ride.

Encourage people to check on one another, particularly during evening services or events.

These small gestures can improve personal safety while strengthening relationships within the congregation.

15. Build Strong Relationships With Local Law Enforcement

One of the most valuable benefits of organizing a security committee is the opportunity to establish an ongoing relationship with your local police department.

In my own role as head of our congregation's volunteer security committee, I'm in regular contact with our local NYPD precinct and its community affairs officers.

I've found our local precinct to be extraordinarily helpful and responsive, and I'm genuinely grateful for the initiative its officers demonstrate in helping protect our community.

These relationships are invaluable.

Police officers can help identify potential vulnerabilities, provide guidance on emergency procedures, offer training opportunities, and establish reliable lines of communication.

Just as importantly, they become familiar with your building, your leadership, and your congregation's particular needs.

Don't wait until an emergency to introduce yourself.

Reach out to your local precinct, explain that you're organizing a volunteer security committee, and ask how you can work together.

You may be pleasantly surprised by how much assistance is available.

16. Coordinate With Professional Security Personnel When Available

If your house of worship employs professional security personnel, a volunteer security committee can still play an important role.

In fact, the two can complement one another extremely well.

Professional security staff may concentrate on access control, exterior observation, and responding to security threats, while volunteer committee members help manage internal communications, guide congregants, and coordinate evacuation or sheltering procedures.

Both groups should understand their respective responsibilities and maintain clear communication.

Avoid overlapping authority or conflicting instructions. Establish in advance who directs the response during different types of emergencies and how information will be shared with arriving first responders.

A well-coordinated partnership can be considerably more effective than either group working independently.

Security Is Ultimately About Community

Creating a volunteer security committee isn't simply about preparing for the worst. It's about taking responsibility for one another.

When congregants volunteer their time to protect their community, they demonstrate a commitment that extends well beyond attending services.

They develop stronger relationships, become more familiar with their neighbors, and help create an environment where people can gather with greater confidence and peace of mind.

The most effective volunteer security committees aren't necessarily the ones with the most sophisticated equipment or elaborate procedures.

They're the ones whose members are dependable, observant, well-trained, and committed to communicating clearly and working together.

Start small. Identify a few responsible volunteers, contact your local law enforcement agency, walk through your building, and develop a practical emergency plan.

Review that plan regularly and improve it as your committee gains experience.

With preparation, cooperation, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of your congregation, even a small volunteer security committee can make a meaningful contribution to the safety of your house of worship.

Equipping Your Volunteer Security Committee

Uniform Tactical Supply carries security apparel and accessories suitable for volunteer safety teams, including Rothco Security Caps, Liberty Uniform Raid Jackets, and high-visibility safety vests.

Whether you're establishing a new committee or updating your existing team's equipment, consistent, clearly identifiable apparel can help your volunteers maintain a professional and recognizable presence.

Visit Uniform Tactical Supply to explore security apparel and accessories for your organization.

Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance on volunteer security preparedness and is not a substitute for professional security assessments, legal advice, or emergency response training. All security procedures should comply with applicable laws, building codes, fire regulations, and guidance from local emergency responders.