Three-Step Strategy to Prevent Church Attacks, According to Security Expert

Following a recent attempted mass shooting at CrossPointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, a seasoned security expert suggests actionable steps that could significantly reduce the risk of such attacks on places of worship.

Ken Alexandrow, a former police officer with 26 years of experience at the Metro Nashville Police Department, specializes in confrontation management and has served on the FBI’s joint terrorism task force. After retiring, he established AGAPE Tactical, an organization dedicated to providing security training for churches, schools, businesses, and individuals.

In light of the disturbing events that unfolded at CrossPointe, Alexandrow emphasizes the importance of immediate actions that congregations can take to strengthen their defenses against potential threats.

Creating a Welcoming Environment

According to Alexandrow, implementing a ‘first impressions ministry’ or a ‘parking lot ministry’ is a crucial step in building a safer church environment. He explains how having team members greet and interact with visitors can help identify anomalies and deter potential threats.

His advice is clear: “If you did nothing else but create a ‘first impressions ministry,’ have people greeting and welcoming your visitors and looking for an anomaly, you win,” he states. This proactive approach fosters a sense of community while simultaneously enhancing safety.

The Deter, Detect, Deny Approach

Central to Alexandrow’s strategy is a three-step method he refers to as ‘deter, detect, and deny.’ This framework outlines key behaviors and actions that can effectively protect a church from violence.

Psychological Deterrence

Deterrence is not just about physical barriers; it involves psychological strategies as well. Alexandrow believes that creating a visible presence of church members in the parking lot can psychologically dissuade potential attackers. He notes, “Deterrence is the psychological defeat before they even try. By projecting confidence, individuals discourage potential threats from even contemplating an attack.”

Effective Detection Measures

Detection plays a pivotal role in the safety framework as well. Alexandrow highlights two critical components: surveillance technology and trained observers within the congregation. He emphasizes the importance of asking whether churches have security cameras in place, if they employ camera operators, and whether their community members are properly trained to recognize potential threats.

“Do I have cameras? Are my people trained observers? Do they understand what to look for? That’s the detection part,” he explains. Proper detection ensures that any suspicious activities are noticed promptly and dealt with effectively.

Understanding Denial

The final step, denial, can be interpreted in two significant ways. According to Alexandrow, church leaders must first acknowledge that threats can occur. Then, they need to consider the measures they are willing to implement to prevent these from happening. This means creating plans that outline the responses to potential threats while fostering a culture of safety and preparedness.

The Role of Dedicated Volunteers

While not every congregation member needs to be armed, Alexandrow stresses the necessity of having volunteers with a heart to serve. He advocates for the establishment of safety ministries within churches that can include diverse responsibilities ranging from parking lot oversight to emergency medical response. He states, “When I started training these churches and introduced the idea of a safety ministry, many individuals expressed interest in participating, seeing it as an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution.”

Engagement and training are essential, Alexandrow asserts. A well-trained volunteer team enhances overall safety while ensuring that responders are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle emergencies effectively.

Trusting Your Instincts

Another vital aspect of church security involves trusting one’s intuition. Alexandrow urges congregants to remain vigilant and act on any concerns they might have regarding unusual behaviors or situations. He advises, “Listen to your intuition. If something feels off, it likely is. Make sure to communicate concerns to someone who can investigate further.” This proactive mindset can play a crucial role in preventing incidents before they escalate.

A Real-Life Success Story

The vigilance displayed by members of CrossPointe Community Church recently saved lives. Upon noticing a suspicious individual, parishioners acted decisively, leading to the quick neutralization of the gunman, Brian Anthony Browning, before he could cause harm to others.

Police reports detail how staff members engaged Browning after he drove erratically onto church property and began firing. Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong commented on the swift response of the church security team: “The security team locked the front doors and exchanged gunfire with the suspect, ultimately leading to his demise.” This incident illustrates the effectiveness of well-prepared and responsive security measures within a place of worship.

As conversations surrounding violence in places of worship continue, experts like Alexandrow stress the need for proactive strategies to prevent potential threats. Creating a secure environment within churches not only protects congregants but also fosters a sense of community and belonging.

As violence becomes an increasingly concerning issue nationwide, churches must prioritize security training and awareness to protect their members and maintain their mission of service and faith.

Fox News contributor Audrey Conklin assisted in reporting this piece.