Church Security Guidebook

Protecting Your Congregation. Preserving Your Peace.
A Practical Resource from PNW Blue Line Services

Why Security Matters for Church & Places of Worship

Your place of worship is sacred—but sadly, it’s not immune to the threats of the modern world. From theft and vandalism to disruptions and violence, religious communities have become increasingly targeted.

You have both a moral and legal responsibility to keep your congregation safe.

This guide provides the foundation to begin—or refine—your safety plan with realistic, actionable strategies rooted in law enforcement training and real-world experience.

Top 7 Threats Facing Churches Today

1. Disruptive Intruders during services or events

2. Parking Lot Crimes — thefts from vehicles, loitering, vandalism

3. Domestic Violence Spillover (e.g., restraining order violations)

4. Suspicious Packages or Bags left unattended

5. Vulnerabilities in Childcare/Volunteer Areas

6. Overcrowding during special events and holidays

7. Uncontrolled Access during multi-room or campus-wide functions
   

   What to Watch For (Behavioral Red Flags)

Equip your greeters, ushers, and volunteers with training to identify suspicious behaviors:

• Unfamiliar individuals lingering without clear purpose

• Vehicles parked in odd or restricted areas

• Visitors wearing heavy clothing out of season

• People asking invasive questions about exits, kids, or schedules

• Escalating emotional or agitated behavior

• Large, concealed bags or cases

The 4 Levels of Church Security

Churches vary in size and risk—but every location can build a layered safety plan.

1. Awareness & Training

   • Staff/volunteer education on red flags and emergency procedures

2. Basic Visual Presence

   • Volunteers or contracted unarmed guards

3. Professional Security Officers

   • Licensed, trained, de-escalation capable

4. Uniformed Police Officers (UPOs)

   • Sworn law enforcement with full authority, rapid response ability, and unmatched deterrent value

*PNW Blue Line Services provides Level 3 and Level 4 protection.

Emergency Planning Checklist

Ensure your place of worship is prepared for the unexpected:

✔️ Designate a 911 caller for each event/service
✔️ Maintain clear, visible exits with unobstructed paths
✔️ Lockdown protocols for children’s ministry areas
✔️ Post evacuation plans in key locations
✔️ Keep first-aid kits and AEDs maintained and accessible
✔️ Maintain contact info for law enforcement and EMS
✔️ Brief all staff/volunteers on your reporting protocol

Volunteer Safety Team Training Guide

If you maintain a volunteer safety ministry, use these tips to keep them prepared and professional:

• Run background checks

• Require a signed code of conduct

• Emphasize observation and reporting, not confrontation

• Assign roles: Greeter, Rovers, Sanctuary Monitor, Child Hall Monitor

• Train in communication (radio use, emergency phrases)

• Walk through drills quarterly (e.g., lockdown, medical emergency, lost child)

Holiday & Event Security Planner
Special events require special attention:
✔️ Estimate expected crowd size
✔️ Add additional officers/volunteers
✔️ Coordinate with local EMS or PD if needed
✔️ Designate access zones for staff only
✔️ Post first aid/response zones clearly
✔️ Confirm parking lot lighting and patrol rotation
✔️ Define comms protocol (channels, codes)

About This Guide

This comprehensive guide was created by experienced law enforcement professionals to help places of worship build safer, more secure environments. Whether you're a church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other faith-based organization, the principles in this guide apply to you.

Quick-Reference Printables

Print and post these in classrooms, volunteer offices, and backstage areas:

• Disruptive Visitor Response Steps

• Medical Emergency Protocol

• Child Custody Dispute Actions

• Suspicious Package Identification & Response

• What to Say When Calling 911

Need help creating these? PNW Blue Line can provide them ready to print.

We Protect Faith Communities

At PNW Blue Line Services, we are a team of active and retired law enforcement officers dedicated to protecting houses of worship across Washington.

✅ MBE & DBE Certified
✅ Serving all across Washington State & Northern Oregon very soon
✅ Armed UPOs and Security Officers
✅ Holiday and Sunday Service Coverage
✅ One-Time Events & Ongoing Security Plans

Ready to Secure Your Place of Worship?

Let’s schedule a free consult.
We’ll review your property, review your risks, and help you create a confident safety plan—whether or not you hire us. We want to help you stay safe!

jay@pnwblueline.com
253-905-5023
www.pnwblueline.com

Thank you for taking steps to protect your congregation. We’re honored to support your mission.

UPO vs. Security Guard — What’s the Difference?