Church and House of Worship Security That Keeps the Doors Open
Welcoming but watchful officers for services, events and weekday programs at churches, synagogues, mosques and temples.
Houses of worship are built to be open, which is exactly what makes them hard to protect. On May 15, 2022, a gunman opened fire at a lunch banquet after Sunday service at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, killing one man and wounding five others before congregants subdued him. CISA's security guide for houses of worship, based on a decade of targeted attacks, recommends a layered plan with clear roles, rehearsed emergency procedures, and protection of the outer, middle and inner perimeters.
Federal help exists. FEMA's Nonprofit Security Grant Program funds security planning, training, equipment and contracted security personnel for eligible nonprofits, and contract costs signed before an award are not eligible. Blackout provides officers who greet at the doors, watch the parking lot and perimeter, cover children's areas during services, and follow your written emergency plan, while keeping the welcoming feel your congregation expects.
What we protect against
- Active shooter and targeted attacks during services or events
- Hate motivated vandalism, graffiti and threats
- Arson and break ins on weeknights
- Disputes involving estranged family members or custody issues at children's programs
- Vehicle break ins in the parking lot during services
- Theft of offering and event cash
What we provide
- Greeter style door posts that watch arrivals without turning people away
- Parking lot and perimeter patrol during services
- Children's ministry check in and access control
- Offering and cash escort to the safe or bank
- Overnight mobile patrol with photo checks of doors and windows
- Support for your emergency action plan and drills
- Documentation suitable for grant reporting
Rules and requirements
- FEMA's Nonprofit Security Grant Program allows funds to be used for contracted security personnel, and starting in FY 2024 FEMA no longer requires a PRICE Act waiver for those costs.
- For FY 2026, a nonprofit may apply for up to $200,000 per site under each NSGP funding stream, and pre award costs are not allowable for subrecipients.
- CISA's Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide recommends a multi layered security plan covering the outer, middle and inner perimeters, and emergency plans that are practiced with the safety team.
General information, not legal advice. Confirm requirements for your license and location.
Example program with more than one officer
Example for a church with two Sunday services: one armed off duty officer in plain clothes at the main entrance and sanctuary from 30 minutes before the first service to 30 minutes after the second, one unarmed guard on the parking lot and children's wing, and mobile patrol checks on weeknights at 10 pm and 2 am. Holidays and large events add a second armed officer.
Questions we get
Can grant funds pay for security guards?
FEMA's Nonprofit Security Grant Program allows contracted security personnel for eligible nonprofits. In California, apply through Cal OES, and do not start paid security before the award, since pre award costs are not allowable.
Will armed officers make our congregation uncomfortable?
Officers can work in plain clothes and greet like members of the welcome team. Most congregants never realize who is armed.
Do you work with our volunteer safety team?
Yes. We align with your existing roles, radios and emergency plan rather than replace your team.
Which officers fit
Most sites need one officer type. Larger sites and events sometimes use more than one.
Unarmed guards
Common
Unarmed guards fit greeter style door posts, parking lot patrol and children's wing access control.
Armed guards
Primary
Armed officers fit congregations facing specific threats, large services and holidays, and sites without nearby police response.
Off duty police officers
Common
Off duty or retired law enforcement fits plain clothes posts in the sanctuary and leadership roles that work with your safety team.
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Where we cover churches and houses of worship
Not sure what you need? Call or text (909) 927-7001 and talk to the owner directly, or send us a few details.