These focused assessments may involve considering: : A fire A shooting situation A dangerous weather emergency A medical emergency A disruption An explosive device or explosion The condition of hardware and windows A list of high value assets to assess Specific concerns such as childcare, money handling, etc. Role and Function AssessmentS The chapter on The Security role of Greeters and Ushers, was developed for the specific roles those volunteers can have in emergency situations. Similar specific instructions could be helpful for many of the leadership and support roles of a place of worship. Every part of their activities can be assessed and can be a great way to acknowledge excellence. Include: Status of training, the supplies provided (walkie-talkies, identifying clothing, flashlights, etc.), their interactions with members and guests and the overall security readiness of the team. Focused assessments are appropriate for all of the many regular roles and assignments in services or activities. How many of these are in your place of worship? Clergy and Assistants (More about Clergy security is on page 16.) Directors/Board members Congregational Leader Educational Director Business and Administrative staff Teachers Music Director/Cantor Deacons Trustees Greeters and Ushers Praise team/choir/vocalists Orchestra/Band/Instrumentalists Offering collectors Nursery staff Technological staff or volunteers Child or youth workers Bus or van drivers Parking assistants Maintenance team Hospitality team Bookstore or thrift shop staff Kitchen workers Chaplains Counselors Youth Leaders Community outreach Even the security team can be assessed! Others in your place of worship The value of assessing roles and functions: For some, the interview by the assessment team is the first time they have been given the opportunity to discuss their concerns or explain their work. From the viewpoint of church leadership, it may also be the most effective way to provide standards of conduct and ensure that everyone knows how to report crimes and concerns and what to do in emergencies.
9. This document or lists developed from the information in it. You will likely have to adapt a great deal of the information in this document, but it might be convenient to have excerpts from it for review. 1. Look at the space from the viewpoint of people who want to commit a crime, or disruption, attack people violently, or exploit people or the situation in some way, as well as from the view of someone who may inadvertently cause harm. This list was shown a few pages earlier, but is worth reviewing. Criminals Pranksters Terrorists Protesters Mentally unstable Angry Arsonist Sexual predators Resentful Suicidal or homicidal Vengeful Attention seekers Litigious people Domestic violence Addicted Custody disputes Vandals Gangs Hate Frauds Embezzlers Violent Careless, reckless Negligence Lack of information and knowledge Miscommunication 2. Look at the space from the viewpoint of all the people who might be in it, at any time, whether authorized or unauthorized. What ages are they? How many might there be? How will they be using the space? What they do, accidentally or purposely, to cause harm? What are risks to them and threats to others? 3. Look at the with the thought of what is beneath it, around it, in the walls and overhead, according to the area involved. Geological, and weather possibilities. Streets, driveways, alleys. Parking, parking lots, illegal parking. Fire hydrants, fire dept. access. Trees, bushes, rocks, moveable or stationery objects. Barriers, barricades, items affording protection. Things attached to the building, on top of it, beside it. Access from roof, basement, doors. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC). Vents, outlets, receptacles, pipes, wires, cords. Plumbing, pipes, water heaters, faucets, fixtures. Stoves, flames, burners, coils. Floors, walls, windows, doors, roofs. Machines, equipment, appliances. that can fall, break, flood or contaminate. Situations that cause accidents, injury, illness. Conditions that are unsightly, unhealthy or unsafe. Items with expiration dates, warranties, batteries.