Church Security Policies and Procedures



We do not have any literature on actual policies and procedures for church security teams because each church is different. However, what we have done is assemble some topics that you should develop procedures for. Keep in mind that people really do not understand just extensive the ministry is. Truth is, you should probably purchase our DVD series titled “The Watchman” to give you a good foundation of things that you probably never thought to ask before writing policies and procedures. Another inexpensive solution is to join our interactive online training program which will be a great resource in your efforts to develop an extensive team manual. Policies and procedures PDF

Dealing with situations.

  • How are you going to dealing with someone who is being rude?
  • Dealing with someone who won’t leave?
  • Just wants to talk to someone maybe their significant other or child when you know there are problems in the family.
  • How are you going to deal with someone who is becoming physical but not to the point of hurting someone?
  • Dealing with someone who pulls a knife & is threatening someone?
  • Dealing with someone who has a gun & is making threats?
  • Someone who is trying to get their kids out of the youth area when they don’t have permission to do so. For example, the ex-wife has custody & the father wants to get them but it’s not his time. Who is going to communicate this issue to the CST?
  • Someone who is actively shooting in the sanctuary or out in the parking lot, etc.
  • Dealing with medical emergencies
  • Fire evacuation
  • Tornados
  • Earthquakes
  • Hurricanes
  • Bomb threats
  • Contacting the water department if a water main breaks
  • Contacting the gas company if there is a gas leak.
  • Contacting the electric company in the event of a power outage
  • What are you going to do if the power goes out during the service. Who is going to take charge of the people in the service & other areas.
  • DO NOT take the water not working, gas leak, or power outage for granted! This could be part of the plan that someone has though long and hard about. What are you going to do with any or all of these things?
  • What the team is going to do if a team member leaves.
  • What the team is going to do if a team member breaks policies.
  • Church disruptions by gay activists, etc.
  • Protesters outside of your church on your parking lot
  • Protesters standing across the street
  • Who is going to be the PR person if the media becomes involved? Need to talk with pastor & elders about this ahead of time.
  • Documentation of medical emergencies, people of interest, incidents, etc.
  • Any time you have a publicized event such as a revival, area church gathering, etc., your team MUST be there! More people expected the bigger numbers the team needs to have there!!!
  • Church safety team member call offs
  • Church safety team member no shows
  • Allowed number of absences when scheduled to be on duty.
  • Trades (is it frequent? Is so why? Is someone not committed or do they have a good reason for not being there? This is a JOB!!!)
  • If you need to trade then you are responsible if the person doesn’t show. Follow up with someone the day before they are supposed to fill in for you!!!
  • Scheduling CST. What is the min. or max number of shifts someone can work?
  • Numbers MUST be maintained. This is a sacrifice of personal time & even family time. Very few people are sheepdogs. You CHOSE to be one!
  • Just like with SWAT, the ideal minimum ratio is 2 TM’s to 1 suspect.
  • Reprimanding those who are not performing or not attending the required number of services per month.


  • These are just some of the policies and procedures you need to think about.