THE NEED

Faith-based organizations should be intentional in the safety & security of their staff, visitors, congregations and assets. Being a ministry does not exempt us from the dangers applicable to other places. Ministries, now more than ever before, are recognizing the responsibility to prevent or manage the many dangers facing them.

Crimes such as domestic violence, robbery, and active shooters have all occurred in what was once considered the safe haven of our houses of worship.

Faith-based organizations must increase their awareness of, and preparation for, the accidental, criminal, negligent and environmental hazards capable of compromising their primary purpose.

THE CHALLENGES

LEGALITY: In many state or area jurisdictions, security operations are regulated by law. Many prohibit the carrying of a handgun in church as a part of a security team (concealed permit or not). Some regulate any intentional security action, mandating proper training, licensing and regulatory compliance. It is common for those with a protective heart to read the laws with such a strong desire to protect, that they make errors in the interpretation of the law.

COST: Many churches recognize the need for effective security, but struggle with the cost of off-duty law enforcement, security contractors or full-time security staff.

CULTURE: Many have been to the courthouse, through airports or have seen police or security at community or sporting events and resist such a look and feel at their open-door culture. Even if they accept security, a conspicuous uniformed officer would not fit in well.

RISK and INSURANCE: Due to the donation-based culture of ministries, security is often by volunteers who have very little, if any, formal training. Many churches have given little consideration to the liability if a volunteer gets hurt or is involved in a litigious action. What insurance would cover both the ministry and the individual in the case of injury or death?

INCONSISTENCY: Many churches are in the process of inventing their own wheel, missing out on the benefits of the momentum of others. The church insurance industry is now faced with many policy holders having a myriad of levels of training and operational protocols.

THE SOLUTION

The National Organization of Church Security & Safety Management™ (NOCSSM™) is the premier & established association focused exclusively on faith-based security operations. NOCSSM™ pioneered the Gatekeepers Program™ in Texas, which is one of the most regulated states in the nation when it comes to security operations in houses of worship. This time-tested and proven model is now being introduced to other states.

The program trains, certifies volunteers and staff in advanced levels of security operations. This is accomplished through two certified levels of Church Security Operators (CSO’s);

CSO Level 3 - Certified security operators qualified to protect with all of the CSO 2 skills in addition to lethal force if needed.

Training specifics—Curriculum Online—Three days of High Intensity Training

Legal / Arrest Authority & SOPs – Based on State Penal Code and common Law Enforcement and Security Standards

Defensive Tactics – Based on State Penal Code and common Law Enforcement and Security Standards

Soft and Hard empty hand techniques

Control and Survival targets

Takedowns and escort techniques

Handcuffing—Based on State Penal Code and common Law Enforcement and Security Standards

HANDGUN TRAINING

Timed draw from holster

Qualification Course of Fire—Based on State Penal Code and common Law Enforcement and Security Standards. We currently use the FBI standards.

Equipment needed per student—

Handgun—9MM, 40 S&W, 45 ACP or other approved caliber

2 magazines

Strong Side Holster

Magazine holder

60 rounds of ammunition per Qualification course of fire

Eye and Hearing protection

Courses are taught at our facilities in Texas. 

TOTAL FOR 3 DAYS - $500