BaptistLife.Com Forums.

Does your church have armed people for church protection? What other means are used to prevent shootings such as we are witnessing now?

At my church, one guy does pack a gun and roams the grounds during Sunday morning services. He does this on his own accord. I know of no other protections we have.

We have security but not armed, so far as I'm aware. I've got mixed feelings about armed freelancers roaming around on their own. There are surely several folks who keep guns in their vehicle.

Two (well-qualified) packing, concealed -- of their own accord, not at the request or by any action of the church.

My concern is if there are church members "packing and patrolling of their own accord", if local law enforcement needs to respond to an incident, how do they know the "Good Boys" from the bad?

None, that I am aware of. I don't think anyone in the congregation owns a gun or would ever use one. There's an awareness of the need for safety precautions, and there is a person assigned to keep watch at the entrance. There's an evacuation plan and a "duck and cover" plan.

I have been in places with detailed security plans and those where plans were scoffed in the past. It's important that the plan details be known only to those who are to execute them. We had one where an off-duty police officer was always armed (as his job required this). The bare minimum is to have two designated people to call for emergency assistance. If everyone is calling, you have confusion for 911 communications people. Also, Sandy is right to have ushers who are prepared to direct evacuations, but so many churches are basically traps for shooters with second-floor sanctuaries, narrow corridors out the front or rear of the sanctuary, and few ways to reach the outside. Consult with local law enforcement who will be happy to meet with church groups to help them prepare. Also, be certain that not all landline telephones are locked away in offices but that at least one is available at two different locations in the buildings. If many people begin calling, cell service may become jammed and landlines the only reliable way to communicate.