Worship facilities are delicate areas to install security systems. It’s important to find the right surveillance system that fulfills its purpose but doesn’t take away from the atmosphere of the church.
An important element of a church security plan can be the use of video surveillance systems as a means of deterring, detecting and investigating crimes against people and property.
With technology behind the hardware and software becoming more advanced, and at the same time less expensive, small and medium-sized churches can more easily and economically than ever employ video surveillance systems as part of efforts to protect both assets and their congregations.
A video surveillance system is just as important for a church as it is for a commercial property. Video surveillance can be an important tool for a church wanting to protect property containing a wide range of physical assets, such as expensive audiovisual systems, unique building components, musical instruments and money from collection and fundraising activities.
On the people side, video surveillance is also an important way in which houses of worship and other faith-based facilities have responded to the growing incidence of violence on church properties.
Placement particulars – As is the case with other building types, the areas that should be monitored at a church include all entrances and exits, general congregating areas and any areas with valuable assets that need to be protected. In a similar vein, sanctuaries, classrooms and offices are primary targets for burglars, while entry doors and parking lots are high-risk areas for personal safety related issues.
Exactly where and how to place video surveillance cameras is something that is specific to each church.
That said, churches, like all other organizations, need to keep in mind that when it comes to protecting personal safety, video surveillance is just an initial step and needs to be accompanied by other measures.
Protecting children – Video surveillance systems have also become “must-have” technology for worship facilities that provide any type of programs or care for children.
Shopping for surveillance – When shopping for systems, the most important considerations are quality and service. The most expensive system is one that doesn’t work when it’s needed most.
With all this in mind, it’s important to remember that while one surveillance system might work for one church, it won’t necessarily work for another.
The security professionals at Sonitrol Great Lakes can provide church facilities with a wide range of monitored and verified security solutions to meet each congregation’s protection requirements. To learn more, please contact us for a no-obligation security evaluation.
