By Marilyn Miller
“If we get prepared for something…the plan is to never have to face it,” said Minden Mayor Nick Cox, introducing a seminar for area churches entitled “Developing a Church Security Team” on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
“Our goal is to make our reputation — ‘The City of Minden doesn’t play’ – don’t bring your drama to us, because we are not playing around…we won’t tolerate it when it comes to the safety of our citizens,” Mayor Cox told a crowd of nearly 100 people gathered in the Minden Civic Center auditorium.
“That’s the way we want our churches to be – don’t bring your garbage to us, because we are prepared. We want to be people who are prepared. We believe that we are going to be okay…but we also don’t want to stick our heads in the sand and pretend that nothing will ever go wrong.” He then introduced Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver, featured speaker.
Prior to his presentation, Chief McIver thanked the vendors who set up booths which spotlighted security products. He also thanked Webster Parish District Attorney Schyler Marvin for hosting a meal for the attendees.
“This (seminar) is something that I’ve had on my heart…since back in ’22…because I see the importance of churches, even businesses today, recognizing the evil that’s out there…all it takes is for somebody to have a bad day, somebody to get their feelings hurt, it doesn’t take much at all. Or it can take somebody who is planning something,” said Chief McIver.
The chief’s talk was subdivided into the categories of Equipment, Training, Plans, Strategic Team Placement, and Recruiting Team Members.
EQUIPMENT. He opened briefly talking about firearms, explaining that his officers all carry the same firearms, which allows them to share magazines and ammunition, etc. “It’s something to consider tactically,” he advised. Being familiar with that firearm is key. And having a good holster is vitally important.
Cameras are of major importance today. Not only are they important in preventing a crime, they help solve crimes. The church security team members should be able to view “all the way around the building.” Interior cameras are also advised. Along with cameras, the church should have a monitor, and someone to view it during all church activities.
Other vital equipment includes two-way radios with ear-pieces, flashlights, first aid & medical kits, AEDs (defibrillators), handcuffs or flex cuffs, food (Gatorade, MREs), and medical personnel within the church.
TRAINING. “Every bullet that leaves your gun, you are responsible for,” Chief McIver said. Training once a year with your firearm is probably not enough. Take every opportunity. “The Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office has offered firearms training with the churches. They have a really nice range and good instructors,” the chief said.
Training in “weapons retention” is vital. “You should be trained to know how to retain your firearm,” he said, offering assistance from his Defensive Tactics instructors. Team members should know how to properly take down a person, handcuff that person, and escort them out. Run through scenarios at church.
“We try to make a difference in preventable deaths,” Chief McIver said. Two of his officers then showed the audience how to 1) stop bleeding through the use of a tourniquet; and 2) how to pack a wound (please purchase wound-packing kits from reputable manufacturers).
“Twenty years ago we didn’t have to worry about all this…but we are here now,” Chief McIver said.
PLANS. Have an evacuation plan in your church. Make your facility blueprints available to the police quickly. Have an emergency contact person. Everyone on the team should know the address of the church. Each team member should have an identifier. The armband works the best. Plan to implement a hit-the-ground scenario in case of an active shooter.
STRATEGIC TEAM PLACEMENT. Have a minimum of two security people at the front door to vet people. Some red flags are a blank stare or a trench coat. Have team members scattered strategically around the facilities with two-way radios and earpieces.
RECRUITING TEAM MEMBERS. All of your team members don’t have to be retired law enforcement or military. Use them, and use anyone who is willing to become proficient with a firearm. And anyone can be trained to watch the monitor. The minimum size of your team should be 3 to 5 members.
