On October 6, 2024, an unfortunate incident unfolded at the Church at the Epicenter in Burnet, Texas. Jacob Wayne Tarver, a 45-year-old member of the church’s volunteer security team, reported that two armed men were attempting to enter the church during the Sunday morning service. According to his initial report, Tarver claimed he fired several shots to scare them away. He described how the men fled in a white minivan, causing him to act out of concern for the congregation’s safety.
Local authorities responded swiftly, deploying multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Texas Rangers and Burnet County deputies, to investigate the threat. But as the investigation unfolded, it became clear that Tarver had fabricated the entire story. There were no armed men, no imminent danger, and no threat to the church. Tarver admitted to lying about the incident after further questioning from authorities.
Tarver’s false report resulted in wasted resources and unnecessary panic within the local community, including heightened security measures in nearby schools. Law enforcement officers expressed frustration, emphasizing how such fabrications not only undermine public trust but also place a strain on emergency response resources.
This case highlights an essential lesson for church safety teams: careful vetting of team members is critical. While churches rely on volunteers to help safeguard their congregations, it’s crucial to ensure that individuals in these roles are reliable, responsible, and capable of responding appropriately under pressure.
How to Build a Trustworthy Church Security Team:
- Thorough Background Checks: Before someone is entrusted with the responsibility of joining a church security team, ensure that comprehensive background checks are conducted. This includes checking for any criminal history, verifying past employment, and investigating any potential red flags regarding behavior or character.
- Interviews and Character References: A strong interview process is essential. Ask prospective security team members about their previous experience in safety or security roles. Additionally, gather character references from other church members or leaders who can vouch for their trustworthiness and temperament.
- Ongoing Training and Monitoring: It’s not enough to conduct initial training and then assume all is well. Regular, scheduled training sessions on conflict resolution, emergency procedures, and de-escalation techniques are vital. These sessions allow team members to stay sharp and provide opportunities for evaluating their judgment and professionalism.
- Fostering an Open and Honest Culture: Encourage transparency and clear communication within the security team. This can prevent incidents like the one in Burnet County by ensuring that team members feel comfortable reporting any concerns before they escalate. Emphasize the importance of reporting actual incidents truthfully and not embellishing stories.
- Community Involvement: Church leaders should also involve the broader congregation in the vetting process. Talk to other members to gather insight into potential volunteers, especially those who may already be well-known and respected within the church.
The case at Church at the Epicenter serves as a sobering reminder that churches must take careful steps to ensure their safety teams are composed of trustworthy individuals. Building a strong, well-trained team, combined with regular evaluations, helps maintain both the security of the church and the trust of the congregation. False reports not only create panic but also erode the sense of safety that churches work so hard to establish.
Simon Osamoh serves as the editor of Security Connections and is nationally recognized for his work in safeguarding houses of worship. He began his career in England, spending 14 years as a detective specializing in serious and organized crime before leading Counter Terrorism at the Mall of America in Minnesota. Simon founded Kingswood Security Consulting and the Worship Security Academy, providing security solutions to houses of worship. He is the author of two Amazon bestselling books and the host of the Church Security Accelerator Podcast. For submissions or topic ideas, reach out to Simon at sosamoh@worshipfacility.com
