Church Safety & Security: Patrolling

By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. (Nehemiah 2:13)

“Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem, look around and consider, search through her squares.” (Jeremiah 5:1).

If you search for the word "patrol" in your Bible, you might not find it.  Very few English translations use that word.  When you find it, check those passages in your own Bible translation.  In the passages above the New International Version has "went out" (Nehemiah 2:13) and "Go up and down the streets." (Jeremiah 5:1).

As the new Governor of Judah, Nehemiah made a nighttime inspection tour of Jerusalem's walls. Today, guards on patrol check out the condition of the premises on their way around.  In the Song of Solomon 3:3, a quote makes a reference to watchmen on patrol, “The watchmen found me as they made their rounds in the city. Have you seen the one my heart loves?"  This remark by the king's fiancé reveals that soldiers guarding Jerusalem regularly patrolled the streets.  We may find someone who is lost or needs other help while on patrol.

Jeremiah was ordered by God to patrol Jerusalem's streets, taking note of what he saw, looking for a just and truthful person.  When on patrol, we observe other people, noting their facial expressions, body language, and actions.

How much of the church building can you see from just one position?  How many safety team members would it take to see the entire place?  If you were an intruder and knew where the security people were, where would you try to get in?  Where they couldn't see you, of course.  Frankly, even many well-placed cameras will not show everything.

The primary advantage of patrolling is that it lets you see the entire perimeter outside, and all the halls, rooms, and corners inside.  Another advantage is the benefit of surprise.  If the church premises are patrolled regularly, an intruder risks being discovered.  A third advantage is that problems with the facilities can be found, reported, and fixed. Finally the act of patrolling keeps the watchers alert.

Historically, crimes have been prevented or interrupted by watchers on patrol.  Crimes have been solved with evidence found by someone on patrol.  Military patrols have alerted armies and stopped invasions. Maintenance has benefitted from observations made while on patrol.  Fires have been prevented or stopped by those on patrol.  There are even heart-warming stories of lonely, lost, or depressed persons found and helped by a guard on patrol. In several ways, patrolling is a service.

Patrolling is not meant to be just a leisurely walk.  Neither is it just exercise, nor is it a race.  A patrol is a walk or drive with purpose; it is situational awareness in motion.  Situational awareness is being aware of your surroundings.  Note what and who is there and where they are. Over time, note changes, such as situations developing.  You never know what you'll find on a patrol.  No matter how routine they get, there's always the chance that something needs attention.  So be there.  Be alert.  Be aware.  Be ready to respond.

As Safety Team members, we report for duty at the beginning of the shift and check out a two-way radio.  When we go on patrol we tell the team.  That way, they know where we are.  Also, we let them know when our patrol is ended.  We may make notes of things that need to be remembered.  If it needs immediate attention and is very important, we call on the radio.

On the inside of the building:

1) Check all hallways, rooms, corners, and closets.  This may seem like a lot at first, but as you do it more times, you become more efficient.

2) Notice fire extinguishers.  If one looks as though it has been moved, it may have been tampered with or used. Be sure to check it.

3) Watch out for objects blocking evacuation routes and doors.

4) Be aware of tripping and slipping hazards.

5) Look out for fire hazards.

6) Check places where people may hide, such as in closets or behind large furniture.  Do not disturb classes or meetings which are in session, but check all empty rooms.  Check the restrooms.

7) Notice whether the Exit lights are on.

8) Check all outside doors you pass to see whether they are locked and not propped open.

On the outside of the building:

1) Check the parking lot and the building's exterior.  This is usually looking about as you are walking around the building and going by or through the parking lot.  You should not be very long out there.

2) Go out several times, but vary your schedule. If someone is looking for an opportunity to do something unnoticed, such as vandalism or theft from vehicles, deter it by keeping them uncertain of when you'll show up.  If you double back, you may surprise an intruder who was waiting for you to pass by.

3) Does the playground equipment look safe (e.g. is any equipment broken or are there nails sticking out)?

4) Are the lights working?

5) Are there any signs of vandalism?

6) Are there any potential burglary tools (such as cinder blocks or lengths of pipe) lying around outside the building that could be picked up and thrown through a window?

7) Is there anything inviting arson, like loose trash or an overflowing trash can?

You have your radio.  If a safety or security issue is called out over the radio and you are aware of it, respond to it.  Definitely respond if you are specifically called.  This includes calling 911.  Assist first responders.  If you are outside, you may have to take them inside and show them where to go.

Always keep a patrol log book.  When you start the shift check the patrol log book for any issues from last patrol.   There may be something to watch for.  If there was anything worth noting related to safety and security, anyone or anything you observed that seemed unusual or out of the ordinary, enter it into the patrol log.  It may be something that does not call for an Incident Report, but you or the other team members might need to know it later on.   Always make an entry in the patrol log of time starting patrol and time ending patrol.  When there are new Safety Team members, part of their orientation should be taking them on a few patrols both inside and outside.  Point out specific areas to watch.  Ask them what they see as you go.

For thousands of years, those responsible for security and safety have been patrolling, alert for signs of danger, and purposefully inspecting defenses and seeking evidence.  Even with modern means of surveillance, patrolling is just as important today as it was then.

We must be wise and decisive and, in all our action, we must reject fear.  Our fear says that we control all things, whereas God’s Word reminds us that He is sovereign.  So as we begin to think through how to keep our people safe, we should begin with the reminder that our hope is secure in God.

So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6)

Be safe!

Russ Sharrock

 

If you have any questions or you are interested in a consultation on safety & security for your church you can contact me at:

Integrity Security Consulting

Russ Sharrock

405-762-2471 | integrityseccon@hotmail.com