Houses of worship are considered by most as safe havens, where crimes of violence and theft have no place. Unfortunately, statistics reveal how worship facilities are just as vulnerable as any other commercial or residential building. The Christian Security Network (CSN) released a report in 2010 indicating almost 1,800 crimes were committed against churches, mostly thefts, with more than $20 million in damage incurred. Given the difficulty in determining the circumstances behind these crimes, and the likelihood of great amounts of unreported crimes, Jeffrey Hawkins, then executive director of the CSN, believes these numbers are much higher than reported. According to Hawkins, churches are seen as “soft targets” by thieves, as most institutions are behind the curve in common security practices.
With the proliferation of cell phones today, practically all security systems have the capability to be controlled through a mobile app.
Faced with this reality, worship facilities are faced with the fundamental choice to be reactive or proactive. Certain security procedures can be implemented rather easily, such as emphasizing locking doors when the building is not in use, lighting dark areas at night, and asking the police to routinely patrol a church’s property. However, more sophisticated measures can be taken to ensure a facility’s security and safety of the parishioners. That’s where system designers and integrators can work together to make a difference for church clients.
Options and all-important cameras
There is a wide spectrum of security systems, and the most basic that can be implemented without the assistance of professionals at a minimum cost. However, some campuses require highly technical systems with greater capabilities and a much higher price tag. Ultimately, every institution must consider its unique needs and goals.
At their core, security systems involve surveillance cameras and a means to store their recordings. The cameras come in a variety of sizes and are designed for the outdoors to be vandal-proof. According to Charles McCready, inside sales representative at Panasonic Security in New York, the recordings of cameras are most commonly sent to a Network Video Recorder (NVR). Through software on the NVR, the cameras can link with access control, motion detection, and building alarm systems. These programs can be set to record on a designed schedule and/or record on motion.
The more elements added onto a security system—from key cards for access control to sophisticated cameras to facial recognition software—the greater the need for church staff to hire a professional. While the cost increases with the extra elements, according to Larry Ottaviano of Hitachi’s Physical Security Solutions, with U.S. offices in Tarrytown, N.Y., it is common for all these security elements to be integrated and automated, providing a comprehensive and holistic security system.
Cost considerations
The sky is the limit for institutions with deep pockets, but for houses of worship on a budget, there are still a number of reasonable options. Lower-end systems, often designed for residential facilities that can be bought at most electronic retail stores, can be purchased for less than $1,000. The biggest negative of these systems is that they are unable to integrate with other elements in a security system, the experts report. They can, however, be automated and are overall quite user friendly.
With the proliferation of cell phones today, practically all security systems have the capability to be controlled through a mobile app. For integrated systems, this mobile capability can allow users to not only view live feeds from cameras in the building, but also set recording schedules, alarms, lock doors, and more.
No matter what security system a church client chooses, having cameras easily seen acts as a deterrent to crime, helping to eliminate a house of worship as a “soft target.” This, in turn, can provide insurance benefits. More importantly, it’s hard to put a price on the peace of mind of parishioners. Possessing a comprehensive security system, especially after a security breach, can make a major difference in whether or not church clients and their attendees feel safe and secure.
Your role …
Architects, engineers, and building consultants all have roles in implementing security systems into churches. For architects, security systems should be incorporated at the beginning of the design stage. Any blueprints should be altered before construction begins to allow for camera angles, hard wiring, and overall security needs to be taken into consideration. For facilities already constructed, engineers and consultants should attempt to find wireless systems to avoid unnecessary and costly work laying down wires. Engineers and consultants can also help in determining the best placement of cameras and in connecting facilities with security systems professionals.
While churches may indeed be behind the curve in security, and perceived as potential targets, attuned and sensitive designers can help church leaders take intentional action to help ensure their facilities are secure.
