Implementing a Security Policy
The following is an example of a policy to be issued to the security team to set the tone for dealing with an unruly or unstable person.
If a visitor or member of the congregation begins to disturb the service, reaction by the Security Team Member will be dependent on the ensuing actions of the unruly person:
1. If the unruly person leaves after they disturb the service, the security member should follow the person until they leave the property, without irritating the person; if possible, a license plate number should be recorded;
2. If the unruly person leaves the building but remains in the parking lot, the Security Team Members should call for help from the standby Security Team Members, and the unruly person should be watched until they depart;
3. If the unruly person leaves the congregation but remains inside the church building, the Security Team Members should kindly ask the person to depart the premises; if they do, follow instructions above.
4. If the unruly person remains in the congregation, the Security Team Members should follow the instructions of the pastor on stage.
5. If a person outside the congregation begins to cause a disturbance, the first two steps above should be followed.
6. If at any time, in the judgment of the Security Team Members, the unruly person appears to threaten the safety of other people in the church; the Security Team Members should immediately initiate a “Code Blue” alert. The Team leader will make the decision on calling the Police Department. If the event is severe a direct call to the Police is authorized, the use of proper judgment is expected.
7. Depending on the type of threat and at the judgment of the Security Team Leader, evacuation of the church may be necessary.
8. The Security Team Members should never initiate physical contact with an unruly person. If the unruly person initiates contact with another person in the church, the Security Team Members should take appropriate action to prevent further harm to the church member.
9. The Security Team Members should not take physical action against an unruly person for damaging church property. The local police should be immediately called to the incident.
