This will create peace of mind.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently unveiled a comprehensive guide aimed at assisting religious institutions in bolstering security measures for their places of worship, responding to a concerning uptick in attacks on these sanctuaries.
This newly released document, titled “Physical Security Performance Goals for Faith-Based Communities,” emphasizes a blend of security and accessibility tailored to safeguard congregations. Split into five key segments—“Identify,” “Protect,” “Detect,” “Respond,” and “Recover”—the guide offers actionable practices.
Under “Identify,” congregations are advised on forming security teams and recognizing potential risks. “Protect” underscores the augmentation of security infrastructure and collaboration with local law enforcement. “Detect” urges situational awareness training and encourages reporting of suspicious behavior. “Respond” advocates for comprehensive emergency response plans and efficient communication systems. Lastly, “Recover” instructs on damage assessment and timelines for resuming services post-incident.
Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized the department’s commitment to securing spaces for diverse faiths, ensuring freedom and safety in worship. He encouraged religious institutions to adopt these strategies to fortify security and safeguard communities.
Ako Cromwell, from the African Methodist Episcopal Church, praised the guide’s clarity and convenience, acknowledging its utility not only for religious bodies but also for broader security professionals.
These efforts by DHS come in response to escalating attacks on places of worship, documented in reports like the Family Research Council’s findings, revealing a disturbing surge in assaults from vandalism to attempted mass shootings. The Council’s reports highlighted a staggering number of incidents, indicating an alarming trend over recent years, including threats targeting various groups and communities.
DHS also issued a National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin in May, citing a heightened threat environment, including potential violence targeting critical infrastructure, faith-based institutions, minority groups, and government facilities during the 2024 election cycle.
These comprehensive guidelines and alerts aim to empower religious institutions and communities with the tools and awareness needed to mitigate risks and safeguard their sacred spaces against potential threats.