Detection Equipment

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

The first step in self-defense is awareness. Likewise, the first line of defensive gear is items which aid our awareness: detection equipment. These range from very simple to extremely sophisticated. There are literally hundreds of detection devices of many types, but not all are practical for most churches.

I want to look at several detection devices, beginning with cameras.  The most efficient method to avoid an incident is to control access.  Obviously, in a church setting, all are welcome, which means we aren’t likely to have access badges or anything like that for the main service. People can literally come in off the street.  That being the case, the best way to control access to the church service is by limiting entry options to monitored access points once the service has begun.  

If church services begin at a certain time, all side doors that are not monitored should be closed and locked after that time, so people cannot get into the service without someone seeing them.  Surveillance cameras have come a long way from film cameras operated by trip wires or door mechanisms. Now they can be extremely small and practically invisible, operating continuously or in response to motion detectors. With long-life batteries, even charged by solar cells, they relay images to remote recorders. They can even communicate with mobile phones in the hands of homeowners, managers, and security personnel. 

There are high end cameras that are more complex.  If you are not technologically savvy, you probably will need to hire a security expert to install, monitor and fix your camera system, if need be. However, with simpler models, you might be able to handle some of that work yourself.  Before buying a security camera, honestly assess how technically skilled you are, whether you would need to hire outside help to handle the security system and whether that cost would be justified.

Today, there are cameras systems at a variety of price points available that are far less expensive and more reliable and versatile than they were 20 years ago.  Surveillance cameras are an excellent option for church safety ministries seeking to guard the church all through the week.  Camera images are used to identify suspects.  However, in other cases they have alerted church staff and/or safety directors that an attempted break-in was in progress, and law enforcement was alerted.

Cameras can be used in real-time to extend the view of Safety Team members on duty during classes, services, and events.  They can monitor the parking lot and other entrances, hallways, meeting rooms, etc.  Team members can monitor the cameras and receive alerts on their mobile phones via Bluetooth or local restricted Wi-Fi from the surveillance base station.

In some areas privacy sometimes becomes an issue with surveillance cameras, especially hidden ones.  Many people feel that these cameras violate their rights.  It could even become an issue in court if the security camera were hidden.  However, even a visible surveillance camera also can cause problems. It can create the impression with customers that there is danger or risk. The theory is that if a church must take security precautions, then there must be a problem.  I would suggest you consult a local attorney concerning the use of video cameras.

When the church building is not in use, sound detectors can trigger alerts that someone (or something) is in the place. A sound alert system can be programmed to ignore routine sounds, such as the HVAC system, a phone ringing, and street traffic.

Another good safety strategy is contact devices that are put on doors and windows.  When the window or door is opened, the contact is broken, interrupting a circuit.  This sends an alert to a monitor or triggers an alarm.  Many times, a would-be intruder leaves when an alarm sounds to avoid being caught in the act.  The alarm could be sent to a security service, which would investigate and/or notify local law enforcement.  A Safety Director or team member could receive an alert on a mobile phone when not at the church.

Then we have motion detectors, which are now very common.  For instance, the lights in many public restrooms come on when someone enters, and they let store staff know when a customer comes in or leaves.  Motion detectors are also used for security, alerting guards that someone is in a supposedly vacant area.  During an active shooter incident an assailant going through corridors may be located using motion detectors. The safety team could then know which camera to monitor.

Light beams have been used for security for many decades, being fairly common as far back as the 1960s. A beam of light across an opening to a photo sensor is broken when someone enters. A common use is a safety feature of elevator doors. Using ultraviolet of infrared light hides the presence of the beam, making it difficult for intruders to find and circumvent it.  Even if someone hiding in a room is still not enough to trigger a motion detector, they still emit infrared radiation from body heat. Some large churches might consider using passive infrared detectors to detect intruders.  They are also used during evacuations to find incapacitated persons who could not make it out on their own. This is the one use which may justify the expense of passive infrared detectors for a large church.

With the goals of deterrence, detection, and response in mind.  Churches have numerous affordable options to take advantage of when it comes to security.  Overt measures such as armed security guards and resource officers are expensive for the average size church (most churches in the US are less than 200 members) but can provide a potential deterrent effect as well as a response option. Controlled access, behavioral recognition techniques, and surveillance cameras can help detect potential violence and allow you to stop it before it starts.  Response can come in many forms, from asking someone to leave, to calling the police, having overt security in the right position to respond, and allowing armed citizens the ability to defend themselves.

In addition, churches can and should encourage armed citizens to train by offering classes from reputable trainers.  Approaching security in this manner will be effective regardless of your budget. While volunteer security teams are a good possibility, they should be approached with caution from legal, financial liability, and professionalism standpoints.  Always check with your insurance company concerning their policies, and as always, make sure you understand the laws in your state before implementing any strategies for protecting your congregation. 

Be safe!

Russ Sharrock


I have made available to anyone interested a FREE 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) General Fire Safety Checklist

4) A Bomb Threat Checklist

5) A Bomb Threat Distance chart for various types of explosive devises to be referred to in the event of a bomb threat evacuation.  These are minimum distances to evacuate away from the area of blast.

They’re Word documents so you can make any changes necessary to fit your church size and needs.  I will be adding new forms as time allows. 

For a copy of any of the FREE Do-it-Yourself forms, or if you have any questions, you can contact me at:

Integrity Security Consulting

Russ Sharrock

405-762-2471 | integrityseccon@hotmail.com