Local church leaders and security team members gathered at the Minden Civic Center on April 3 for a seminar focused on improving church safety and preparedness. Hosted by Minden Police Chief Jared McIver, the event provided guidance on security measures, training, and crisis response.
Mayor Nick Cox introduced McIver, highlighting his dedication to church security, a concern that has been on his mind since both officials began their first terms. “He’s been working on this a while. I think he has a real sincere heart to do this,” Cox said.
McIver emphasized the importance of preparation, stating, “Chance favors the prepared mind. I wanted to do this to give guidance to those who are trying to develop a team or to give new ideas to existing teams. This is not a one-size-fits-all; it’s a generalization.”
Security Measures and Recommendations
The presentation covered key aspects of church security, including equipment, training, and team recruitment. McIver strongly recommended installing security cameras, noting, “Cameras are so instrumental to preventing and solving crimes.” He advised placing cameras both inside and outside the building and having a designated person monitor them during services. Law enforcement, including Homeland Security, can access these cameras in certain cases to assist in emergencies.
Two-way radios were another critical recommendation. “Anywhere there are people, other than the sanctuary, they should be able to hear the radio traffic so they can lock down and wait for it to be over with,” McIver said. He advised against using codes, encouraging clear, common-language communication.
Other key preparedness steps included:
- Keeping flashlights, batteries, food, and water stocked in case of emergencies such as natural disasters or chemical spills.
- Having a well-equipped medical kit, including tourniquets and gauze for stopping bleeding.
- Considering the purchase of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
- Keeping handcuffs or flex cuffs available to detain individuals if necessary.
- Training with firearms regularly. “Every bullet that leaves your gun, you’re responsible for,” McIver cautioned. Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker is offering firearms training for church security teams and can be contacted at [email protected] or 377-1515.
McIver also suggested churches consider using the same model and caliber of firearm within their security teams, similar to the Minden Police Department, which allows officers to share ammunition and magazines in emergencies.
Training and Tactical Planning
McIver announced plans for future workshops focused on weapon retention and defensive tactics. “It won’t be a certification, just a familiarization of how to deal with some of those situations,” he said. He stressed the difficulty of detaining individuals who resist and encouraged teams to practice different security scenarios.
Brian Sparks and Craig Menefee of SMR Training Solutions demonstrated life-saving techniques, including applying a tourniquet and wound packing. “If you hunt, carry an actual first-aid kit, not something you bought at the drugstore,” Menefee advised.
McIver urged churches to create evacuation plans and provide law enforcement with building blueprints and security team contact lists. He emphasized the importance of clear communication during crises and recommended that security team members wear identifiers, such as armbands, to help law enforcement distinguish them.
Strategic positioning of security personnel was another focus. McIver suggested:
- Having two team members at the front entrance to vet attendees.
- Assigning one person to monitor security cameras.
- Having a security member patrol the church grounds.
- Ensuring security presence in the sanctuary and with children’s groups.
During a crisis, he advised team members to use two-way radios effectively and consider gunfire direction when positioning themselves.
Community and Vendor Support
Several vendors participated in the event, providing information on security, medical, and technology solutions:
- SMR Training Solutions – Specializing in prehospital emergency medical training.
- Booker’s Security & Technology – Providing home security solutions, including security cameras.
- Stryker – A global medical technology company.
- Ludas Magnus Tactical – A firearms manufacturing company based in North Louisiana.
Commitment to Safety
McIver concluded the seminar by stressing vigilance and preparedness. He encouraged churches to be aware of unusual behavior, such as individuals wearing heavy coats in warm weather or displaying blank stares. “Neutralize the threat at the front door,” he advised.
He also emphasized regular drills. “It’s important to, on a regular basis, announce in the church that when someone yells, ‘get down,’ for everybody to get down and stay as low as you can until you’re told to get up.”
McIver hopes to organize future training sessions where security teams can practice alongside Minden Police officers. “Starting things is difficult, but once you start, the wheels get rolling,” he said. “We’re doing everything we can to keep Minden safe.”