I’m the deacon responsible for safety at a growing small church start-up in Michigan. My state has a notorious record for church shooters. It’s just me and one well trained volunteer greeting/evaluating people coming to worship. We don’t wear uniforms, radios, church lanyards or any identifying swag nor openly carry weapons. We look like any other volunteer at church except we don’t wear church tshirts (can’t conceal in them).
How do I avoid being shot by our local Sherries Deputies during an armed incident? What best practices have other church teams used in our circumstances?
The simplest way is go meet the Sherriff’s, introduce your team (or have a meeting @ your Church) Show them your lock down plan, Exit’s/Egresses, Building Vulnerabilities, Where you will gather your Flock in case of a shooting (Safe Room(s) etc.
This is a all hands on deck issue—everyone should be on the same page (or @ least read the same book). Getting shot by a Good Guy isn’t in that plan. Take this worry off your mind and concentrate on keeping the Flock safe.
Be sure to meet with the deputies and familiarize yourselves with one another. When they recognize your faces, it creates a clearer line of communication and trust.
The worst-case scenario is when law enforcement arrives at a scene filled with armed individuals and has no way of knowing who is who.
Get to know your local Leo’s. Invite them to your church for a vulnerability assessment. Exchange phone numbers. Put them on the church mailing list for upcoming events. Do a couple of walk through runs. This needs to be a collective and collaborative effort. Two sides of the same team.
@Anthony501 Welcome to the community, and great input by great people here and I agree with all the input provided to you, so best of luck in your church, stay safe.