Is it safe to worship in Lexington County?

Chuck McCurry
chuck1946@hotmail.com
Posted 11/14/18

Mass church and synagogue shootings have many here concerned. 

The recent one at a Jewish Synagogue in Pittsburg was another frightening tragedy. 

Some Chronicle readers wonder, …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Subscribe to continue reading. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Get 50% of all subscriptions for a limited time. Subscribe today.

You can cancel anytime.
 

Please log in to continue

Log in

Is it safe to worship in Lexington County?

Posted

Mass church and synagogue shootings have many here concerned. 
The recent one at a Jewish Synagogue in Pittsburg was another frightening tragedy. 
Some Chronicle readers wonder, “Could one happen here?”
The answer is yes, it could.
The more pressing question is, “Would we be prepared before anyone was hurt or killed?”
Last week, the Chronicle contacted about 30 churches in the county about their security measures. 
Not all responded, but enough did to give a good idea about church security. 
The response came from small and medium-sized rural congregations to 2,000 plus member churches.
The responses varied, but all were aware of the threat and are doing something about it. Activities range from passive security systems to armed city or county law enforcement officers present during worship hours.
 Many church leaders asked not to be named. 
The pastor of one church said a fine line lies between hospitality and security when dealing with unfamiliar people on their campus.
Another said they recently invested in a security system with cameras focused on all entrances. 
Some members attended a church security seminar at a Lexington church conducted by a retired FBI agent. 
The pastor did not endorse Concealed Weapons Permit holders bringing guns to church, but he suspected some did.
A third church said they had a controlled access system at all doors. Ushers and deacons have keys to the doors and stand nearby. One designated usher’s job is to be the “watchman.”
One Lexington County church has 2 full-time law enforcement officers and several former military CWP holders in its congregation. They are part of the church’s safety team. 
A few others have applied to become members of the team. All have to meet SLED qualifications if they carry a gun in the sanctuary. 
Team members have radios and earpieces as they patrol the campus. 
The church also has security cameras and a sign that reads, “We reserve the right to check all bags coming into the facility.”
Another church has controlled access on all doors with cameras and people strategically placed throughout the sanctuary. 
A county deputy, a state trooper and a former police chief are members of the congregation. When possible, they park their marked patrol cars in highly visible spots near the church. 
Some of their members have had active shooter training. Last year they put 65 church members through CWP classes.
A number of churches have arranged for local police to actively patrol near their campuses on Sunday and Wednesday night activities. 
Others pay off-duty Lexington County deputies or Lexington PD officers to be present during worship.
Based on the Chronicle’s survey, Lexington County church leaders are keenly aware and are taking steps to stop an attack before it could happen.
Church shootings are actually quite rare, according to a study by Criminologist Dallas Drake of The Homicide Research Center in Minneapolis. However, they have increased somewhat since 2006. 
The most common cause for shootings in churches is intimate partner violence, not a terrorist attack.

safe, safety, Lexington County

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here