Sounds good so far.MIDDLETOWN — Pastors said after meeting with representatives from the Middletown Division of Police they left better prepared in case an active shooter enters their church.
The meeting between the police and church leaders was arranged by Middletown Police Chief Rodney Muterspaw on the heels of the Texas church shooting on Nov. 5 that left 26 people dead and 20 injured, making it the deadliest mass shooting in the state’s history.
During the 90-minute seminar Friday in Council Chambers, Lt. David Birk, Detective Brandon Highley and Sgt. Sam Allen discussed ways for churches to better secure their buildings and protect their congregates.
Hopefully that's not the extent of their plan. Say for example an off duty officer would've been at the Texas church. It would've been better than what they had, (nothing) but he might've been the first one shot at.Grace Baptist Church in Middletown already has taken some steps, said Senior Pastor Max Fernandez. He said the church has hired an off-duty Middletown police officer to monitor the parking lot and inside the church building every Sunday morning. The officer also assists with traffic, he said.
Back in a previous century, I used to do church security. In one place I was outside the whole time, to protect the cars from being broke into. At another church I was with another guard, and we were also in the lot. At a certain time of day though, we had to go inside and stand in the back office, so anyone who really wanted to steal from cars could just wait us out I guess. We were mainly there to protect the massive amount of money the ushers brought in. (this was a big church with lots of parishioners) At least one or two of the ushers were allegedly off duty or retired cops, so they were packing too, even back then.
Years ago, during an active shooting, police didn’t enter the building until at least four officers were present. But now the first officer is instructed to find and apprehend the suspect.
Although it's a good suggestion, I wouldn't count on securing a door as more than possibly a temporary delay. The nurse in Ohio that was killed by her ex was in a locked building, but the murderer allegedly just shot his way in.“Waiting is costing lives,” Allen said.
The church leaders were told to:
Teach staff and members the proper way to apprehend a shooter and secure his weapon. Without training, employees may “freeze up” during an attack, Highley said.
Find ways to secure doors, whether that’s with bars, locks, belts or heavy furniture.
Perhaps putting fire alarms on the doors not commonly used, so people can still get out if needed.Instruct those under attack to run to the nearest exit and not hide in a corner or under desks. “The threat has changed,” Birk said.
Create a “rally point” for congregates to meet after they escape an active shooter. They recommended neighboring churches sharing keys to their buildings, if possible.
Put letters or numbers on every exterior door to make it easier for law enforcement to understand the layout of the building.
Limit the number of entrances into a church so it’s easier to monitor who’s coming into the building.