A Secure Working Environment
In many churches today, locks on the entrance doors, the sanctuary, office and church school are commonplace. There are security meansures for fire and theft. Everything from kitchen supplies, to toilet paper, is kept under lock and key. One area that is most often overlooked, however, is the protection of the Church Office Staff. The uniqueness of these positions often means that staff are alone in a large, empty public building for extended periods of time. This presents a very real element of personal risk. Incidents of theft and assault have been reported. Even threats of personal injury can be devastating.
To promote personal security of office staff, we suggest you work with the Ministry and Personnel Committee and Board or Session to establish a security plan for your protection. The Edmonton Police Service Crime Prevention Unit will provide a security assessment on request.
Measures must be taken to protect the security of staff alone in a building. Some suggestions include:
- Severely limited the number of people with keys to access the church office.
- Insist that a personal alarm system be installed to protect the office and you.
- Have controlled access to the building during the day.
- If office staff are alone, lock the entrance doors, and have a bell/buzzer/intercom system installed.
- Use a mirror system to allow you to see who is approaching the entrance or the office at all times.
- Install a panic button connected to an alarm company.
