“Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem, look around and consider,
search through her squares...” (Jeremiah 5:1)
If you search for "patrol" in your Bible, you
might not find it. Very few English
translations use the word. However, a
few do. When you find it, check those
passages in your own Bible translation. In the passages above the New
International Version has "they made their rounds"
(Song of Solomon 3:3) and "Go up and down." (Jeremiah 5:1)
What is patrolling? The act of moving
about an area especially
by an authorized and trained person or group,
for purposes of observation,
inspection, or security.
When the Tabernacle was constructed at Mount Sinai, thousands of
Levites were assigned to set it up, take it down, move it, and guard it. Though not specifically stated, they were
expected to patrol the area around the Tabernacle in camp and on the road. Centuries later, after the Temple was built,
Levites were its guards (See 2 Kings 12:4-12), who not only stood watch, but
patrolled the Temple grounds. 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, a quote makes a reference to watchmen on
patrol. 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.
Patrol techniques depend much on what method of transportation is utilized.
Foot patrol is the most basic and affords a security officer a closer and less
obtrusive way to monitor his surroundings. He should not wear bright clothing
and should move quietly through an area.
Patrolling is useful as a deterrent function, as well as the repression
of crime function. One should always be
prepared for patrol. Always wear comfortable shoes. The Patrol should bring a
two-way radio in order to keep in contact with their supervisors, a flashlight
to reveal interiors of dark spaces or when patrolling at night and whatever
defensive gear is permitted by the job . A patroller should mentally prepare
for going on patrol by remaining calm and collected. They must keep alert
despite the occasional boredom of patrolling.
A security officer on patrol should never round a corner too close
to the wall, as a criminal may jump him from that vantage point. He should stay
to the side in parking garages and small streets to avoid speeding cars. He
should avoiding walking into enclosed dark areas; he should first sweep his
flashlight over the space and ask people inside to come out. An officer should
always call for backup if needed. 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. Even with
many well-placed cameras you will not see 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.
I assume all of us know that a patrol is not 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. It is called "Think 540.”
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.
When patrolling inside the church building, 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.
Here are some things to look for:
1) Notice fire extinguishers. If one looks as though it has been
moved, it may have been tampered with or used. Check it.
2) Watch out for objects blocking evacuation routes and doors.
3) Be aware of tripping and slipping hazards.
4) Look out for fire hazards.
5) 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.
6) Notice whether the Exit lights are on.
7) Check all outside doors & Windows.
a. Are all exterior doors furnished with
proper locking devices
b. Are all windows, including those above
ground level, properly installed with a locking
device?
c. Are hinges that are exposed on a door’s
exterior equipped with non-removable hinge pins?
d. Are basement windows shielded by bars, wire
mesh, or other means?
e. Are all exterior doors & windows locked
when the building is unoccupied or at night time?
f. Are exterior lights installed to illuminate the exterior of buildings
and their alleyways?
g. Are interior lights left on at night?
h. Are entrance lights left on at night so intruders will be clearly
visible when forcibly attempting to enter the premises?
i Are timing devices used to turn lights on and off to give the impression
the premises are occupied?
8) Check the parking lot and the building's exterior. Even a safe looking parking lot & service
area can be vulnerable to risks and situations can escalate quickly. This is usually looking about as you
are walking around the building and going by or through the parking lot. Go out several times, but not on a rigid
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.
When you are outside, there are several other things to consider:
1) Does the playground equipment look safe (e.g. is any equipment
broken or are there nails sticking out)?
2) Are there any signs of vandalism?
3) Are there any potential burglary tools (such as cinder blocks)
lying around outside the building that could be picked up and thrown through a
window?
4) 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.
When you start the shift, check the Patrol Log. Check it again before going on your first
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.
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, moving around, 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.
Be Safe!
Russ Sharrock
I have made available for FREE, to anyone interested, a series of
Do-it-Yourself forms that can be printed for your use:
1) A Safety & Security Risk Assessment Form.
2) Church Emergency Plan Template
3) A General Fire Safety Checklist
4) A Bomb Threat Checklist
5) A Bomb Threat Distance Chart: Covers various types of
explosive devises to be referred to in an event of a bomb threat
evacuation. These are minimum distances to evacuate away from the area of
explosion.
These MS Word documents can be changed as necessary to fit your
church size and needs. I will be adding new forms as time allows.
For a copy of any of these FREE forms, or if you have any
questions, you can contact me at:
Integrity
Security Consulting
Russ Sharrock
Russ Sharrock
405-762-2471 | integrityseccon@hotmail.com
or message me on my FB account. 
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