Last month, I attended the Church Facilities Expo (CFX) in Chattanooga, Tennessee, making my annual pilgrimage from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to present at the security conference. Whenever I have the opportunity to stand before an audience eager to learn about church...
Security Connections
What If You Could Unify All Your Security Systems?
In May this year, a Minneapolis teenager was sentenced to more than 30 years for a fatal shooting that shut down the Mall of America (MOA) in Bloomington, Minnesota during the holiday shopping rush in 2022. Nineteen-year-old Taeshawn Adams-Wright pleaded guilty to...
How to Build a Trustworthy Church Security Team
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...
Five Minutes to Save a Life: Your Guide to Medical Emergencies
When a medical emergency strikes, the first few minutes are often the most critical. How you respond during this time can make all the difference. Whether it’s a heart attack, severe bleeding, or any other urgent situation, knowing what to do can help stabilize the...
Staying Legally Compliant: Do’s and Don’ts for Nonprofits During Election Seasons
To what extent may Section 501(c)(3) nonprofits engage in political advocacy? The answer to this question has become particularly acute, as our country’s next national election quickly approaches, and vigorous political discourse escalates with each passing week. This...
IDIS Americas Introduces Innovative I-Mobile Transit Video Security Solution
IDIS Americas, a new IDIS business unit formed from the recent merger of IDIS America and Costar Technologies, announces the launch of its new I-Mobile System, ushering in a new era of advanced transit video surveillance. The new solution delivers high-performance 4K...
We Need Your Help!
Hello, I’m Gene Lass, Editor-in-Chief of Security Connections. To better serve your informational needs we’re looking for input on the topics most important to you and your church.Please take a minute or so to complete the...
Discover the Church Safety Conference at CFX
This year, the Church Facilities Conference and Expo, held in Chattanooga, TN October 21-23, will consist of four separate conferences at one location, with attendees of each conference having access to the Expo, with more than 160 exhibitors. The Church Safety...
Navigating Election Day Tensions: How Churches Can Prepare as Voting Stations
In today's polarized climate, where a simple difference of opinion can spark conflict, how does a church, especially one serving as a federal voting station, prepare for the heightened tensions that accompany a presidential election? A few weeks ago, I was assisting a...
Expert Insights with Carl Chinn, Executive Director of the Faith-Based Security Network.
In a recent discussion, I sat down with Carl Chinn, Executive Director and Founder of the Faith-Based Security Network, to talk about his experiences with a deadly shooting at his church and how it affected his journey in security ministry. Carl, your journey in...
Morse Watchman Showcases New Emergency Key Grab Kit
Morse Watchmans, the industry leader in key control and asset management systems, adds emergency management to its long list of core competencies with the presentation of its Emergency Key Grab (EKG) Kit. The EKG Kit is designed to facilitate a swift emergency...
IDIS Americas Showcases Extended Range of Edge AI Cameras with Advanced Video Analytics
These new IDIS Edge AI cameras integrate deep learning video analytics for unprecedented accuracy and speed during live viewing and forensic searches. Purpose-built for commercial applications, public spaces, and perimeters, these cameras include features such as...
Radical Hospitality and Behavioral Threat Indicators: A Church’s Approach to Safety and Inclusion
Churches are sanctuaries of refuge, fellowship, and spiritual growth. In striving to embody radical hospitality, they must also remain vigilant in recognizing and addressing potential threats. Understanding behavioral threat indicators and the pathway to violence...
Shining a Light on Darkness: Steps to Shield Children from Abuse in Churches
Imagine being a child experiencing sexual abuse by someone from your church. Maybe even while you are at church. You’ve told people in your own, scared way, what is happening to you. No one seems to understand. Maybe it’s something they can’t bring themselves to think...
Barrier1 Showcases Robust Portfolio of Crash-Rated Vehicle Barrier Systems
Barrier1 Systems, the industry leader in perimeter-hardening physical security vehicle barriers, has a wide product range that includes fixed and retractable bollards, security folding gates, and drop arms that deliver the highest level of physical protection for...
Why Don’t Leaders Preach Church Safety and Security from the Pulpit?
As a father and a Christian, I’ve often thought it would be invaluable for senior leaders at my church to preach about social media safety to teenagers or situational awareness to kids heading off to college. However, like many of you, I’ve never heard these important...
When an Active Shooter Strikes: What Do You Do?
The recent assassination attempt on presidential candidate Trump may have seemed unimaginable until it happened this past weekend. Gun violence has tragically become the new norm, infiltrating our schools, workplaces, and even our houses of worship. According to data...
SARGENT Has a Comprehensive Portfolio of Hardware Built to Stand the Test of Time
SARGENT, an ASSA ABLOY Group brand, has an expansive portfolio of door controls, electronic access control, exit devices and locks, including SARGENT’s PE80 Series exit device, which incorporates an extensive list of next generation features including new visual...
Preventing Embezzlement in Houses of Worship
Embezzlement can strike anywhere, even in places we hold sacred. In May, a former employee of Christ the King Catholic Church in Tampa admitted to stealing $775,000. This shocking case highlights the need for stringent financial controls in houses of worship. What...
Church Health and Safety: Building a Better Medical Kit
Every church should have a medical kit. It's a simple way for us to be prepared to take care of those who walk into our buildings each week. Let’s take a look at some recommendations on what should be in those kits. We’re going to look at 2 ideas: first aid kits and...
New Corbin Russwin CLX3300 Series Cylindrical Locks with Visual Status Indicators
Corbin Russwin, an ASSA ABLOY Group brand, has released its new CLX3300 Series cylindrical lock with status indicators. Designed to elevate security and safety with an intuitive user experience, the CLX3300 Series is the ideal lock solution for sensitive environments...