NCJ Number
103019
Journal
Security Management Volume: 30 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1986) Pages: 115-120
Date Published
1986
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article suggests ways churches and synagogues can improve building security against burglary, vandalism, and robbery.
Abstract
Suggestions for outside protection include improved lighting, the trimming of shrubbery to increase visibility and reduce hiding spaces, and the use of clear antigraffitti coatings on outdoor objects to facilitate cleaning. Suggestions to improve building perimeter security address schedules for locking and unlocking each outside door, the use of burglary resistant doors and locks, the use of protective grills over roof access openings, and lighting on all sides of the building. Security guidelines are offered for access control, which includes the use of appropriate alarm systems, key control through the appointment of a key custodian responsible for issuing and receiving all accountable keys, and protective cash handling procedures. Suggestions for protecting valuable artifacts include the use of a rope or rail to distance the public from the artifact, alarms for each artifact, and locked cases. Security guidelines also cover general property protection, the management of social outreach programs that draw many types of persons into the building, and protection for utility areas. The article discusses the Anti-Defamation League's model statute for ethnic vandalism and intimidation and describes the efforts of the Tacoma Police Department (Wash.) to prevent church burglaries.