Church Surveillance Do’s and Don’ts

Tuesday, 07 December 2021 15:21

Spiritual life is a high priority for residents of the piedmont and foothills of North Carolina. Whether you are driving through big cities like Charlotte and Winston-Salem or smaller rural towns like Statesville and North Wilkesboro, you will see many places of worship.

From brick buildings with white steeples to ornate stonework to metal buildings to storefronts, congregations meet in all kinds of structures.

While there are many different styles of edifices, there are several things local churches have in common. They meet to worship God, honor their traditions, and serve their communities. The local church (building and people) represents community, peace, refuge, and hope.

Each one strives to be a light even during the darkest times.

That is why surveillance and campus security may be the farthest thing from your mind when it comes to a church. Who would stoop so low as to do your building or congregation harm? Unfortunately, in our business, we see it far too often. We know how vital it is for a church to practice proper surveillance of its property.

In this article, we are discussing some of the most important do’s and don'ts of church surveillance.

What You Should NOT Do Regarding Church Surveillance

1) DO NOT Fail to Take Surveillance Seriously

We do not want to be gloom-and-doom, but unfortunately, mass shootings involving church congregations have risen in the last few decades. According to Lifeway Research, “As of last year [2017], Chinn identified 617 people having been killed in deadly force incidents since 1999 at faith-based properties, including churches.”

Prior to 1963, there had never been a mass murder (wherein four or more people were killed). What does that tell us?

Generally, we know churches are safe places for families and individuals to gather. However, churches have a responsibility to do everything they can to make sure people’s lives and property are as safe as possible.

2) DO NOT Install Cameras Where Privacy Is Assumed

When you choose to install cameras, it is vital to make sure they do not go in places where privacy is assumed.

Restrooms and locker rooms, for example, should not have cameras. While cameras help keep people safe, they still should be able to count on you to protect their privacy.

3) DO NOT Purchase the Cheapest System

This has been a challenging time for individuals and churches. It is always tempting to try to limit the budget as much as possible. However, your surveillance system does not need to be an area where cost-cutting is practiced.

You need the highest definition cameras possible to detect harm, and if necessary, identify suspects.

Your system needs to be as effective as possible at alerting first responders. Your cameras need to have enough storage capacity to be useful in an investigation.

4) DO NOT Assume It Can’t Happen to Your Congregation

Unfortunately, the worst-case scenario can happen to your church. Of course, we all hope and pray it doesn’t, but it is vital to be as prepared as possible.

What You Should Do Regarding Church Surveillance

1) DO Investigate Your Options

You will want to familiarize yourself with the differences between Self-Monitored and Monitored Systems:

Monitored: A professional security company will regularly check your monitored alarm system if you have one. The security provider and, in some situations, emergency services are contacted when your alarm sensors detect fire or trespassers on your property. Otherwise, first responders will be notified by your security monitoring team.

Self-Monitored: Self-monitored systems, on the other hand, are either watched by church personnel or used to simply record activities instead of being connected to a command center. Self-monitoring systems can send notifications to your phone or tablet, which you can then use to contact authorities. They can also trigger an alarm to keep prospective intruders away.

Self-monitored systems are typically more budget-friendly, but congregations can certainly benefit from a monitored system.

2) DO Communicate the Presence of Cameras on Your Property

When you install cameras and a surveillance system, it is important to alert people to their presence. Signs at the entrance and key places in the parking lot, as well as various locations within the church building, will alert visitors and members that they are on camera.

That signage will also serve to deter potential nefarious activity.

3) DO Think Through Where to Place Cameras

Cameras should be placed intentionally, in key locations such as:

Entrances and exits
Sanctuaries (covering every part of the space)
Fellowship halls and other spaces people congregate
Classrooms
Offices
Nurseries
Parking lots
High traffic areas
Anywhere money is counted or handled

4) DO Limit the Personnel Watching the Footage

Develop a list of personnel (volunteers and staff) who will be allowed to monitor the camera feeds. Write policies regarding who can monitor security camera feeds and make sure you follow them to the letter.

Do Trust Installation of Your Church Surveillance System to the Experts

If you are installing a surveillance system and security alarm in your church, you want to make sure you have the best installers on your team. With so many precious lives depending on this technology to keep them safe, you can’t afford to trust the process to anyone but experienced experts.

In the foothills and piedmont of North Carolina, Integrity Security has the experience, expertise, and professionalism to help your congregation protect what matters most: the many friends and family members in it.