Church Security: Detect Threats With the “Power of Hello”
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)’s “Power of Hello” is a security initiative and training program applicable to church security teams and church ushers and greeters that teaches individuals to prevent disruptive incidents by observing suspicious behavior and initiating friendly engagement.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Greeters and Ushers: Eyes and Ears for Security ]
Used effectively, the right words can be a powerful tool. Simply saying “Hello” can prompt a casual conversation with unknown individuals and help you determine why they are there.
[ Bookmark the SemperVerus CHURCH SECURITY INTELLIGENCE CLIPBOARD ]
Using the OHNO framework—Observe, Hello (Initiate), Navigate the Risk, Obtain Help—empowers volunteers and staff in places of worship and employment to detect threats, mitigate potential risk, and obtain help when necessary.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Gentle Response De-Escalation Training for Church Security Teams ]
Key Aspects of the Program
OHNO Framework: Designed for volunteers and staff to observe surroundings, engage with individuals through a “hello” to gauge intent, assess the danger, and seek help when necessary.
Targeted Scenarios: Helps identify suspicious behaviors like unauthorized access, surveillance of personnel, or unattended packages, particularly at houses of worship.
Goal: To promote safety without breaking a welcoming, open environment.
Resources: CISA provides free materials such as guides, “slick sheets,” and videos on how to apply these techniques to everyday situations.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, The Ministry of Protection: Why Church Safety Teams Matter and How Serving in the Ministry of Protection Brings Clarity to the Calling ]
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Self-Defense and Church Security: Make Scanning Your Priority ]
The “Power of Hello” promotes vigilance among volunteers and staff in protecting congregants. Alert personnel can spot suspicious activity and report it while maintaining the open and welcoming environment necessary for a church service or event. Learn all the elements of the training here.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, “Most Terrorists Are Terrifyingly Normal,” Says Former Intelligence Officer ]
Be sure to see all the resources in the CISA online section, Protecting Houses of Worship.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Live Life Left of Bang ]
Also see these SemperVerus articles relating to helpful CISA security resources:
- Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide
- Checklist: Questions to Ask During a Bomb Threat Call
- Church Security PDF Library: Multi-Source Free Manuals
- DHS Outlines Steps Houses of Worship Can Take To Protect Themselves
- Emergency Preparedness Resource Links
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Chart: The Spectrum of Potential Threat Personas in Self-Defense and Church Security ]
About the CISA Logo
“The blue outer ring and the inner red ring indicate CISA’s unity with DHS and a nod to our efforts to cut through government red tape, while the three blue lines in the outer ring represent the Agency’s three congressionally mandated missions: cybersecurity, infrastructure security, and emergency communications. The eagle faces to the right, signifying CISA’s keen eye on the future and forward posture. The center shield represents CISA’s commitment to “Defend Today, Secure Tomorrow,” while the eagle’s folded wings reinforce CISA’s protection and defense of our nation. The image includes wavelengths representing the emergency communications mission, which emanate from buildings that signify the infrastructure security mission, while the nodes in the eagle’s arm indicate the cybersecurity mission. The bridge represents the vital, two-way connection, communication, and collaboration between the public and private sectors, which is so key to CISA’s mission success.”
[ Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of CHURCH SECURITY ]
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