Interview with Lori Morrison, Private Investigator
SemperVerus interviewed Lori Morrison, retired private investigator, author, and host of The Unlovely Truth podcast. She’ll be speaking at the 2025 Church Facilities Expo in Chattanooga, September 22-24, 2025. To register and for more information go to ChurchFacilitiesExpo.com.
[ Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of CHURCH SECURITY ]
What prompted you to become a private investigator?
I was following a local case of a missing (and later found murdered) young woman in the news, and it made me wonder who would help me if that happened to MY child. God ignited a passion in me to help find justice for hurting families.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, US Secret Service Threat Assessment Church Case Study Links Domestic Violence with Mass Attacks ]
Describe the work of a private investigator.
It’s not as constantly exciting as it looks on TV. Good investigators spend a lot of time digging into every little detail that could make a difference in a case, because you don’t always know what’s going to be important right away. You have to talk to a lot of people and find ways to make them want to talk to you. It’s important to keep an open mind and be ready to follow the evidence, not a narrative that someone is giving you. You have to be ready to face the darker side of human nature, keeping in mind that the truth is what ultimately matters. We don’t always get justice, but we can support our clients in finding as much of the truth as possible.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, A Prayer for Church Security Team Members ]
How have you adapted your professional experiences to the work of church security/safety?
Safety is a huge concern for an investigator because you are often dealing with people who are willing to do terrible things. Having that mindset helps me stay sharp because, unfortunately, terrible things can happen at any church at any time. Practicing situational awareness is key, no matter where you are. My biggest adaptation has been reminding myself that my work now is ministry-focused as well as safety-focused.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Checklist: Church Security/Safety Equipment ]
What agencies/organizations do you recommend for conducting background checks on church volunteers and staff members to ensure they’re qualified to serve in ministries such as nursery care, children’s church, youth work, financial matters, etc.?
Rather than recommend a specific company, I would encourage churches to check with their insurance provider. They may have special deals worked out with certain companies to give discounts or training if you use their services. And your provider may also be able to give you a break on your premium for being proactive in reducing risk. It never hurts to ask!
[ Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of MENTAL HEALTH ]
The most important thing to remember about background checks is that they are a first step. They will only give you information on people who have been caught. Most child abusers never face a day in jail. Victims are often too scared to ever disclose their abuse. And for anyone working in any area of ministry, I strongly suggest asking for references and then actually calling them and asking pertinent questions.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Chart: The Spectrum of Potential Threat Personas in Self-Defense and Church Security ]
Why is it important for women to be included as members of volunteer church security teams?
Adding women to your security team makes it incredibly well-rounded. We have different life experiences that help us connect with women and children who may feel more comfortable talking to us. We see the world differently from men and may pick up on things that a man might miss. We can seem more approachable, making all security personnel feel more like shepherds than sentries. And don’t worry if women aren’t physically as strong as men. If your team is armed, well-trained women can shoot as well as the guys if it ever comes to that (I know I can).
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Understand the Times and Know What to Do ]
How should church security team leaders recruit women to be on their team?
This is a GREAT question. Start by finding women who have experience in jobs that often intersect with the criminal justice field: law enforcement, private investigators, domestic violence advocates, EMTs, emergency room personnel, licensed social workers, etc. Those folks know how to be observant and handle pressure.
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How should church security teams train to become proficient in the skill of de-escalation and knowing when to use it?
I believe that de-escalation is a very under-valued part of training. Active shooter training is big, and rightly so, but you’ll need to de-escalate situations much more often than you’ll encounter an active shooter. Gentle Response De-escalation Training: Professional Training and Coaching out of Allendale, Michigan is an excellent resource to follow on social media.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Gentle Response De-Escalation Training for Church Security Teams ]
I’m a big fan of training using scenarios. Church Safety and Security Decision Decks: 60 Conflict Deescalation Scenario Cards to Enhance Critical Thinking Problem Solving and Decision Making from Kingswood Security and available on Amazon, is a great, low-cost resource that can get your team thinking through the most effective ways to handle out-of-control situations.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Church Security Training: Decision Decks Help You Think Through a Crisis Before It Happens ]
What is a Shepherd Leader Mindset and how can it strengthen church security teams?
To me, having a Shepherd Leader Mindset means that you’ll do anything in your power to protect whoever is in your flock (your circle of influence). Let’s look at David the shepherd boy, not David the king. When young David volunteers to fight the giant, Saul tells David that he has no chance of defending Israel by fighting the much more powerful and well-trained Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17, verses 32-37, David replies that he has cared for his father’s sheep by destroying any predator that threatened them. Any predator. Threats to our flocks come in many shapes and sizes, and we must ready ourselves to take them on, whatever those threats look like.
Security teams are strengthened when they are crystal clear on their purpose and the Scriptural basis for it. I believe this passage lays that out very plainly and practically.
[ Read the SemperVerus article, Self-Defense In Spiritual Warfare: Know Your Enemies ]
Describe your service of Safe Church Coaching and your goal to safeguard churches physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
The hallmark of my coaching is that it isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every church is different and has to work within unique parameters of budget, availability of volunteers, and its culture’s tolerance for change. I work with churches to create the training that fits them best. I can do in-person training for staff and volunteers, or online if that’s a better fit. I’m launching an online membership community to encourage and equip women to be change agents in their churches. You can also find my training manual, Reclaiming Sanctuary: Enhancing Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Safety in Our Churches for sale on Amazon.
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Is there anything else you’d like to say?
To everyone who is reading this: keep up the good work! The security team often gets overlooked as a vital ministry of the church, but if you’re on the team or thinking about joining, your role matters deeply. And so do you. Thank you for what you do.
BIO: Lori Morrison is a member of her church’s security team, a retired licensed private investigator, a former church staffer, and serves on the Worship Facility Editorial Advisory Board. Read her articles: Preparing for a (Sun) Day in the Life of a Church Security Team Member and The Top 5 Reasons You Should Recruit Women For Your Church Security Team.
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