Armed Congregants & Considerations for Synagogue Security
Weapons At Worship (PDF) is the 45-page white paper published by Secure Community Network (SCN) to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the risks associated with armed congregant programs and to illuminate the numerous factors at play for communities considering this option.
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SCN’s mission is to ensure the safety, security, and resiliency of the Jewish community in North America.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Benefit From the Church Emergency Response Network ]
The white paper is the result of SCN convening a panel of law enforcement and security professionals to assist organizations in making informed decisions about permitting congregants to carry firearms as part of the security strategy. While its focus is on Jewish institutions, its principles can be broadly applied to help communities create safer, more secure environments.Read the SemperVerus article, Organizing, Training & Running a House of Worship Armed Congregant Security Team ]
The primary recommendation of the white paper states that, if a house of worship is going to allow individuals to carry firearms, it must do so through an organized and structured safety or security team. This team should not arise informally or operate ad hoc. Rather, it must be formally established under synagogue leadership’s oversight, led by a designated team leader, and governed by comprehensive policies covering team member selection, training (including ongoing exercises), vetting, use-of-force protocols, and coordination with law enforcement. These policies must comply with all applicable laws and be regularly reviewed by leadership, legal counsel, and insurers.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Security Review: House of Worship Firearms and Use of Force Policy ]
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Security Armament Recommendations By Tom Givens, John Correia, and 6 Other Professionals ]
It recommends that any armed presence in a house of worship be structured through an organized, synagogue-sanctioned security team. Such teams should be purpose-built with clear roles and responsibilities, trained for threat recognition and response, coordinated with local law enforcement, and governed by policies that ensure legal and ethical accountability.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, A List of Active Killer Incidents at Houses of Worship and Religious Schools ]
The paper emphasizes the importance of vetting security team members with a thorough background check of
- any criminal record
- drug testing
- a mental health evaluation
- relevant experience, especially in security or conflict resolution
- possibly a psychological assessment.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Checklist: Church Security/Safety Equipment ]
And it stresses the need for a training program that’s comprehensive, adaptive, and rooted in best practices. It should equip members of the armed volunteer security team with the necessary skills and mindset to handle any situation that arises, from a minor health episode to an unruly individual or an active threat scenario.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, A List of Active Killer Incidents at Houses of Worship and Religious Schools ]
It says a training program should include lessons on firearm basic safety, proper handling, storage, and maintenance, in addition to accuracy and stress management. Topics to include are:
- Practical Firearms Skill Application
- Discretionary/Judgment Shooting
- Scenario-Based Role Player Training
- Firearms Retention Training
- Empty hand control training (weaponless tactics)
- Use of restraints (handcuffing)
- Search tactics (people/buildings)
- Less lethal training (chemical spray, impact weapon, taser, etc.)
- Low light/no light training, limited visibility training with flashlights
- Basic field interview/interaction training (recognizing pre-attack signals)
- Contact-cover training/drills (unknown subject/armed subject)
- Proactive patrol training (recognizing suspicious persons/packages/circumstances)
- Basic legal training — laws of search and detention/use of force
- Active shooter training
- Usher-greeter training
Open, read, and download the SCN white paper here.
Relevant SemperVerus Articles
• Enroll in the Sheepdog Church Security Academy Safety Member Certification Program
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• 2025 Edition of Hostility Against Churches Report Shows 415 US Attacks in 2024
• Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide
• A Prayer for Church Security Team Members
• All Church Security Articles
• Concealed Carry Daily Prayer
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Greeters and Ushers: Eyes and Ears for Security ]
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