The NCC has gathered the resources developed by federal agencies on how to protect houses of worship into one list. Below are links to resources to assist faith groups in keeping safe.
Develop a Plan
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have shared information on to protect against and prevent violence aimed at houses of worship.
Developing Emergency Plans for Houses of Worship (FBI)
Protecting Places of Worship through Education and Dialogue (DOJ)
Helping Communities Prevent and Respond to Hate Crimes (DOJ)
In addition, based on ten years of analysis of attacks against house of worship, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) at the Department of Homeland Security has produced a Faith-based Community Self Assessment Survey and its Guide. When planning, the agency recommends three steps:
- Establish roles and responsibilities to create a security plan and team which should include a wide-range of members from the faith community such as a janitor, a clergy leader, current or former military or security advisers, school teachers, cybersecurity experts, and mental health professionals.
- Conduct a self assessment using these team members to answer a series of questions by analyzing the facility and the gaps it might have.
- Develop the appropriate security plans such as the business plan, communications plan, and active shooter plan.
If the house of worship decides to apply for a security grant, these assessment questions are the first step in applying.
Additional resources:
The Power of Hello Guide for Houses of Worship (2022)
Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide (2020)
Watch the Webinar (Recording): Preventing Targeted Violence and Protecting the Safety and Security of Houses of Worship through Faith and Community Based Approaches in the US and in Europe