Brothers and sisters, as we continue to grow in faith and fellowship at East Valley International Church, we also have a solemn responsibility to care for one another’s safety and well-being when we gather to worship. This Church Security Training Plan is designed specifically for our small congregation, focusing on the basic, real‑world scenarios we are most likely to face—from medical emergencies and disruptive individuals to more serious threats—so that our volunteers and members can respond with calm, clarity, and confidence. While carrying a concealed weapon (CCW) is entirely optional, it is highly recommended for anyone who chooses to carry on church property, and this training will help ensure that every person involved, armed or not, understands their role and acts in a way that honors God and protects His people.
Contact/Cover Approach for Handling Suspicious Individuals
In an ever-dangerous world, the safety of our congregations has become a priority for many churches. With the growing need to ensure a secure environment, church security teams are increasingly adopting strategies from law enforcement to manage potential threats effectively. One such strategy is the contact/cover technique, a tried-and-true method that emphasizes both safety and teamwork when approaching and interacting with suspicious individuals.
The contact/cover technique involves two team members working in tandem: one as the primary contact who engages directly with the individual, and the other as the cover, providing critical support and overwatch. This approach not only enhances the safety of the team members but also allows for better control of the situation, reducing the likelihood of escalation.
Implementing the contact/cover technique within your church’s security protocol can significantly enhance the overall safety of the congregation and you. It is easy to use and learn, and has saved thousands of police officers from attacks from dangerous people.
The cover officer watches the contact person while they deal with a person. You more than likely won’t be searching anyone in church security, but this gives you an idea of how it looks.
Why Contact/Cover is Necessary for Church Security
Church security teams face unique challenges that differ significantly from those encountered by traditional law enforcement. One of the most significant challenges is maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment while simultaneously ensuring the safety and security of the congregation. Churches are, by nature, open spaces meant for worship, reflection, and community, and any security measures must be carefully balanced to avoid creating an atmosphere of fear or exclusion.
The contact/cover technique is particularly well-suited to addressing these challenges. By designating one team member as the contact and another as the cover, this approach allows the church to remain a welcoming place while still being vigilant about potential threats. The contact person engages directly with the individual, maintaining a calm and approachable demeanor. This helps to avoid any immediate alarm or discomfort among other congregants. Meanwhile, the cover person remains at a discreet distance, observing the interaction and ready to provide support if the situation escalates. This dual approach ensures that security is handled professionally without compromising the church’s open and inviting atmosphere.
Real-World Scenarios Where Contact/Cover is Used
- Approaching a Suspicious Visitor: Imagine a situation where an unfamiliar individual enters the church during a service and exhibits odd behavior, such as pacing back and forth or avoiding eye contact. The contact/cover technique allows the security team to approach the individual in a non-threatening manner. The contact person can engage the visitor with friendly questions to determine their intentions, while the cover person watches for any signs of aggression or potential danger. If the situation remains calm, the visitor might simply be someone in need of help or guidance. However, if the behavior escalates, the cover person is prepared to intervene quickly.
- Handling a Disturbance During Service: During a busy church service, a member of the congregation starts raising their voice and causing a disturbance. Using the contact/cover technique, the security team can quickly assess and address the situation. The contact person calmly approaches the individual, seeking to understand and de-escalate the issue. At the same time, the cover person remains in the background, ensuring that other congregants are not put at risk and that the situation does not get out of hand. This approach allows the team to manage the disturbance discreetly, maintaining the peace of the service while ensuring everyone’s safety.
- Intervening in a Domestic Dispute: If a church security team encounters a situation involving a domestic dispute on church grounds, the contact/cover technique becomes invaluable. The contact person can approach the couple and attempt to mediate the situation without inflaming tensions, while the cover person stays alert to any signs that the dispute might turn violent. This arrangement not only protects the individuals involved in the dispute but also ensures the safety of bystanders and other congregants.
In each of these scenarios, the contact/cover technique provides a balanced approach to security, allowing the team to address potential threats effectively while preserving the church’s mission as a place of peace and sanctuary. This method ensures that safety measures are robust yet unobtrusive, which is vital for maintaining the delicate balance between security and hospitality in a church setting.
Implementing Contact/Cover: Step-by-Step Guide
Team Coordination and Communication
Effective implementation of the contact/cover technique begins with clear communication and well-defined roles within the security team. Each team member must understand their specific responsibilities and how to execute them under varying circumstances.
Importance of Clear Communication and Predefined Roles:
- Clear communication is important for ensuring that both the contact and cover members are on the same page throughout any interaction. Miscommunication or ambiguity can lead to hesitation or mistakes, potentially compromising the safety of the team and the congregation.
- Predefined roles help eliminate confusion during critical moments. Each team member should know whether they are designated as the contact or the cover in different scenarios. This clarity enables them to act swiftly and confidently when a situation arises.
Approaching the Suspicious Individual
The manner in which the contact person approaches a suspicious individual is important for maintaining control of the situation and ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
Approach Strategy:
- Initiating the Conversation: The contact person should approach the individual in a calm and non-confrontational manner, using open body language and a neutral tone of voice. This helps to set a non-threatening tone for the interaction. The initial approach should be framed as a casual conversation, with the contact person introducing themselves and inquiring if the individual needs assistance or has any concerns.
- Strategic Distance of the Cover Person: While the contact person engages the individual, the cover person should position themselves at a strategic distance, close enough to observe and react but far enough to avoid appearing intimidating. The cover person should remain slightly behind and to the side of the individual, giving them a clear view of both the contact person and the surrounding area. If the person escalates the encounter, the cover should come in and triangulate the suspect with the contact officer.
Importance of Body Positioning and Maintaining a Safe Distance:
- Body Positioning: Proper body positioning is key to maintaining control. The contact person should stand at an angle, with one foot slightly forward, allowing them to move quickly if necessary. The cover person should avoid standing directly in front of or behind the individual, instead positioning themselves to maintain a clear line of sight and an unobstructed path to intervene if needed. A good way of doing this is to form a triangle between the contact, the cover, and the suspect.
- Safe Distance: Maintaining a safe distance is essential for both the contact and cover persons. The contact person should remain close enough to engage effectively but far enough to avoid being grabbed or struck. The cover person should keep a slightly greater distance to allow them to observe without drawing attention, but be ready to close the gap quickly if the situation escalates. The contact should be about 7 to 10 feet away from the suspect.
Engagement and Observation
Once the initial approach is made, the focus shifts to effective engagement and continuous observation.
Engaging the Individual:
- Verbal De-escalation Techniques: The contact person should employ verbal de-escalation techniques to calm the individual and prevent the situation from becoming confrontational. This includes using a calm and steady voice, avoiding aggressive language, and actively listening to the individual’s responses. The goal is to defuse any tension and gain the individual’s trust, reducing the likelihood of escalation.
- Open-Ended Questions: Asking open-ended questions can help the contact person gather information without making the individual feel cornered. Questions like “How can I assist you today?” or “Is there something on your mind?” allow the person to express themselves, providing the security team with valuable insight into their intentions.
Role of the Cover Person:
- Observing the Surroundings: The cover person’s primary responsibility is to maintain vigilance over the environment. This includes watching for other potential threats, ensuring that the interaction does not draw unnecessary attention, and being prepared to respond if the situation changes.
- Monitoring the Individual’s Behavior: The cover person should also closely observe the behavior of the individual, looking for signs of agitation, aggression, or attempts to conceal weapons or other dangerous objects. Their role is to anticipate potential threats and communicate any concerns to the contact person or other team members as needed.
- Keep People Away: The cover person can also keep crowds away from the person the contact individual is talking to (if necessary). The cover can also watch for persons associated with the suspect who might want to harm the contact.
Dealing with Escalation
Even with the best preparation and de-escalation techniques, some situations may escalate, requiring swift and decisive action from the security team. Remember, it takes two people to de-escalate. If the other party does not want to de-escalate, it won’t work.
Strategies for Handling Escalation:
- Recognizing Early Warning Signs: Both the contact and cover persons should be trained to recognize early warning signs of escalation, such as raised voices, hostile body language, or attempts to evade questioning. Identifying these signs early allows the team to take preemptive measures to regain control.
- Intervention by the Cover Person: If the situation begins to escalate, the cover person may need to step in. This could involve moving closer to provide physical support to the contact person and possibly even physically intervening if the individual poses an immediate threat.
- Calling for Backup: In cases where the situation continues to deteriorate, the contact person should not hesitate to call for additional backup. This could involve alerting other security team members, contacting local law enforcement, or activating emergency protocols within the church. The cover should not be doing anything except watching the contact’s back and ensuring he/she is not harmed.
Importance of the Cover Person’s Role During Escalation:
- The cover person plays a critical role during escalation, providing the necessary support to ensure the safety of both the contact person and the congregation. Their ability to observe, communicate, and act quickly can prevent a volatile situation from turning into a dangerous confrontation.
- The cover person must also be prepared to take over as the primary contact if the original contact person is incapacitated or otherwise unable to continue managing the situation.
By following this step-by-step guide, church security teams can effectively implement the contact/cover technique, ensuring that they are well-prepared to handle interactions with suspicious individuals in a way that prioritizes safety, control, and the preservation of a peaceful environment.
Use of Force for Everyday People: What you can do to protect yourself
Church Security Pistol Qualification Course
Basic Concealed Carry & Weapons Permit
If you are going to carry a concealed weapon in our services, it is highly recommended that you obtain a CCW. Caswells is a nearby gun range offering this course.
Caswells Shooting Range
856 E Isabella Ave, Mesa, AZ 85204
CCW 4-Hour Concealed Carry Class
Next available: Sat, Dec 27, 2025 1:00 PM
January course dates will be posted on their website at a later date.
$75
4 hours
Arizona is one of several states that offer good citizens the ability to carry a concealed weapon. During this non-shooting course, we will teach you about the basic components of legal Concealed Carry Weapons, mental awareness, interactions with law enforcement, and how to properly plan for before and after a self-defense conflict.
Following the completion of the course, you will need to complete a fingerprint card (which we can supply for you at a specially discounted price during the class) you will be able to submit your completed application to DPS for a Concealed Weapons Permit issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Class Prerequisites: None.
Equipment and supplies required: Positive attitude and participation
This is not a shooting course.
Key Importance of First Aid Volunteers:
- Immediate Life-Saving Care: Minutes matter in cardiac arrest; trained volunteers can provide CPR and use an AED, drastically increasing survival chances before paramedics arrive.
- Preparedness for Incidents: They handle everyday issues like slips, falls, and minor injuries, preventing escalation and chaos.
- Reduced Panic, Increased Safety: Trained individuals manage emergencies calmly, reducing fear and ensuring proper procedures are followed, creating a safer environment.
- Legal & Risk Management: While not always legally required (unless employees are present), it’s a best practice for risk management, especially with large gatherings.
- Disaster Readiness: Forms part of a larger emergency plan, ensuring the church can respond to various unforeseen events, from medical crises to broader disasters.
How Our Church Can Implement This:
- Recruit & Train: Seek volunteers with medical backgrounds or offer them CPR/First Aid/AED training.
- Designate a Team: Create a dedicated medical response team, ideally with backups for every service.
- Equip Properly: Have accessible, comprehensive, up-to-date first aid kits and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
- Integrate Training: Incorporate training into overall church safety plans, including emergency action plans (EAPs)
East Valley International Church Security Plan
Here’s a comprehensive security plan for a E.V.I.C. that emphasizes safety, preparedness, communication, and vigilance without involving armed parishioners. This plan is suitable for small congregations like those in Gilbert, Arizona, and includes practical measures such as first aid, CPR training, risk assessment, and emergency coordination.
I. TEAM STRUCTURE & ROLES
Security Coordinator (1 person)
• Oversees safety program
• Liaison to police, fire, and EMS
• Updates and reviews protocols every 6 months
Security Response Team (3-4 persons)
• Monitors entrances, greets attendees
• Reports suspicious activity
Medical Response Team (2-3 persons)
• Must be CPR/AED and First Aid certified
• Handles all medical emergencies until EMS arrives
• Keeps first aid kits up-to-date
II. ENTRANCE PROCEDURES
Entrances (2 total)
• Doors are locked just before the worship service
• Assign volunteers at both entrances to allow latecomers entrance
• Volunteers should greet all attendees and report unfamiliar or suspicious behavior to the Coordinator
III. FIRST AID & MEDICAL RESPONSE
Training
• At least 3 volunteers should be certified in CPR/AED and Basic First Aid (American Red Cross or American Heart Association)
• Hold training sessions annually or when new volunteers join
Supplies
• Maintain one First Aid kit
• Have a functioning AED (automated external defibrillator)
• Regular monthly inventory checks
Medical Emergencies
• Call 911 immediately
• Direct someone to meet first responders outside
• Provide care within training scope until EMS arrives
• Complete an incident report afterward
IV. RISK ASSESSMENT (Reviewed Every 6 Months)
Steps:
• Inspect facility: entrances, exits, windows, lights, stairways, restrooms
• Assess activities: children’s ministry, prayer meetings, special events
• Identify vulnerabilities: limited exits, unlit areas, unmonitored rooms
• Prioritize actions: Install better lighting, assign additional volunteers, secure valuables
• Document & act: Keep written report, take remedial action, review with pastor and leaders
V. COMMUNICATION PROCEDURES
• Use mobile phones among volunteers during service
• Establish hand signals for discreet alerts
• Post a visible contact list of all team members with roles
• Share emergency contacts in the church office and with team members
VI. ACTIVE SHOOTER/VIOLENT INTRUDER RESPONSE (AVOID-ALERT-EVACUATE)
Training: Conduct an annual drill using DHS’s “Run, Hide, Fight” model adapted to a church setting.
Response Steps:
• Alert: Discreetly notify team via radio or text.
• Evacuate if safe: Use pre-marked exits. Volunteers assist the elderly or disabled.
• Shelter-in-place: Lock sanctuary doors, turn off lights, stay low, silence phones.
• Call 911 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
• Post-incident: Hold debrief, assess response, and offer trauma support.
VII. IDENTIFYING & RESPONDING TO SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
What to Look For:
• Loitering or pacing around the property
• Concealing face or hands without reason
• Large bags brought into service
• Attempts to access restricted areas
Action Steps:
• Observe and record discreetly
• Notify Coordinator
• Approach the person with two volunteers if deemed safe
• If a threat is suspected, call 911 immediately
• Do not physically confront
VIII. POSSIBLE SECURITY SCENARIOS & RESPONSES
Scenario | Response
• Medical Emergency (fainting, seizure) | Call 911, begin first aid/CPR, clear area
• Child Separation | Lockdown exits, notify all team members, initiate search
• Suspicious Person Loitering | Notify Coordinator, engage with two-person team if safe, call 911 if needed
• Power Outage | Guide members to exit, use flashlights, check for injuries
• Fire or Smoke Detected | Pull alarm, evacuate using exit plan, account for all persons
• Verbal Threat or Disruption | De-escalate calmly, notify police if necessary
• Active Shooter | Alert team, initiate evacuation or lockdown, call 911
• Weather Emergency | Move to interior rooms, away from windows, monitor emergency alerts
• Car Break-In | Secure scene, notify police, document incident
IX. EMERGENCY CONTACTS – GILBERT, ARIZONA (NON-911)
• Gilbert Police Department (Non-Emergency) | (480) 503-6500 |
• Gilbert Fire & Rescue (Non-Emergency) | (480) 503-6300 |
• Mercy Gilbert Medical Center (Dignity Health) | (480) 728-8000 |
• Banner Gateway Medical Center | (480) 543-2000 |
• Arizona Poison Control | 1-800-222-1222 |
• Town of Gilbert Emergency Management Office | (480) 503-6000 |
X. TRAINING
• CPR & AED certification for volunteers every 2 years or as recommended
• Monthly walkthroughs for new volunteers
• Debrief after every drill or real emergency