Why Do 75% of Incidents in Churches Happen During the Week?

When we think of church security, we usually picture Sunday morning: a full sanctuary, ushers in the aisles, and a security team patrolling the parking lot.

However, the data tells a different story. According to Bob Wild, a church safety leader, approximately 75% to 78% of violent incidents at churches occur between Monday and Friday.

While Sunday services are high-profile targets, the church office during the week is usually staffed with a much smaller team, making it an easier target.

To protect your weekday staff, you must move away from the “open door” policy where anyone can walk in unannounced. Instead, treat your church office with the same security protocols as a bank or a school.

What Should Your Door Policy Be?

The most common security failure during the week is convenience. Staff members often prop doors open or leave them unlocked because they are “just running out for a second.”  Lock all exterior doors.

If you want, you can transition away from traditional keys, which are easily lost or copied and install a card lock or FOB system. This ensures doors lock automatically behind you, allows you to track who enters, and lets you instantly revoke access if a key card is lost.

Finally, install a video doorbell system. Visitors should have to ring a bell and be visually identified via camera before the door is buzzed open.

What Do You Do If Someone Hostile Gets In?

If a hostile individual is buzzed in (or tails someone else in), the receptionist needs physical protection. This can look like bulletproof glass, outlining an escape route, a help button, and a 911 button.

• Bulletproof Glass: Bob Wild recommends installing bullet-resistant glass at the reception window. It may seem extreme, but it provides a necessary barrier against armed intruders.
• Escape Routes: The receptionist should never be cornered. Ensure there is a secure, steel door behind the desk that leads to the inner offices or a safe room. This allows the staff member to retreat and lock themselves away from any threats.
• A “Help” Button (De-escalation): This button sends an alert to your security team or other staff. This signals to other staff: “I have a difficult person at the desk, and I need backup to help de-escalate.”
• A 911 Button (Emergency): This alarm should be silent and go directly to the police dispatch. If there’s ever an immediate, life-threatening threat, the receptionist should hit this button.

Your ministry happens seven days a week, and so should your security! By empowering your staff with the right tools-locked doors, barriers, and communication.

Want to learn more? Watch a video on weekday safety here!