De-Escalation as a Security Strategy for Churches and Houses of Worship

 

IN A CONFLICT, DON’T AGGRAVATE, DE-ESCALATE.

The best fights are the ones we avoid.
— Jackie Chan, The Karate Kid (2010)

There is a common misconception that security is solely about confronting and subduing individuals who may pose a threat. While intervention may be required in certain situations, de-escalation and prevention are also essential components of effective security practices.

Conflict de-escalation is particularly important when approaching individuals who are, or may be, armed within environments such as churches or nonprofit organizations. Direct confrontation can increase the risk of violence and collateral damage; yet failing to address the situation may also have serious consequences.

De-escalation begins with the identification and interpretation of nonverbal cues and body language that may indicate someone is at risk for violence and may be carrying a concealed weapon. In addition to recognizing indicators of concealed weapon possession, it is important to observe signs of mental or emotional distress. Individuals experiencing distress may not be armed but can still display unpredictable behavior. Such distress may result from various personal circumstances, including custody disputes, unstable relationships, mental health issues, or substance abuse. De-escalation techniques aim to resolve these situations safely and calmly.

The benefits of de-escalation include:

  • Reducing the likelihood of injury or death.

  • Minimizing trauma resulting from public altercations.

  • Avoiding negative publicity associated with law enforcement intervention.

  • Reducing the risk of litigation or financial loss due to violent incidents.

  • Preventing insurance claims related to violence on the premises.

Key topics covered in this presentation include:

  • Identifying signs of mental and emotional distress.

  • Responding appropriately to individuals exhibiting distress.

  • Recognizing body language and attire associated with concealed weapon carriers.

  • Safely and respectfully approaching individuals carrying weapons.

  • Facilitating cooperation in disarming when appropriate.

  • Coordinating between security teams and pastoral or organizational staff.

  • Responding when an individual refuses to disarm or resists de-escalation efforts.

  • Determining when to involve law enforcement.

This topic is presented by Vaughn Baker, president of Strategos International, a security training and consulting firm based in Independence, Missouri. Baker has 20 years of law enforcement experience in areas including patrol, investigation, SWAT, and special operations, and has trained thousands of personnel across various sectors. He is also the author of The Church Security Handbook. More information is available at StrategosIntl.com.



KEY POINTS ON CHURCH SECURITY DE-ESCALATION

🤝 De-escalation is about reducing the intensity of a situation through empathy, active listening, and preserving human dignity.

🧠 Our natural instincts often escalate conflicts; training helps us overcome reactive responses.

👀 Body language and awareness are crucial in recognizing potential conflict before it becomes critical.

💬 Effective communication involves showing genuine care, using calm language, and allowing people to feel heard.

🛡️ De-escalation applies to various scenarios: from non-custodial parent disputes to mental health and substance abuse situations.

🤲 The core principle is treating others with respect and understanding, regardless of the circumstances.

🚨 When de-escalation fails, understanding legal boundaries for using force is essential.

👥 Training in de-escalation is beneficial for everyone, from security teams to ushers, greeters, and even teenagers.

🕊️ The ultimate goal is to preserve safety while maintaining the core mission of an organization.

📚 Continuous training and learning are key to mastering de-escalation techniques.


DE-ESCALATION PRESENTATION OVERVIEW

Conflict Management and De-Escalation

  • Definition of de-escalation

  • Importance of conflict management training

  • Common instinctive responses and their limitations

  • Key principles: empathy, listening, and communication

Benefits of De-Escalation Training

  • Amplifying the mission of the organization

  • Preventing conflict escalation

  • Enhancing safety and reducing trauma

  • Avoiding negative publicity and legal issues

Real-Life Examples of De-Escalation

  • Situations involving non-custodial parents

  • Intervention examples that changed outcomes (e.g., suicide prevention)

Principles of De-Escalation

Steps in the de-escalation process:

  • Awareness and recognition of signs of agitation

  • Maintaining safety and establishing distance

  • Using calm and empathetic communication

  • Practicing active listening and alignment

  • Establishing boundaries and summarizing concerns

Training Focus Areas

  • De-escalation as a skill for everyone

  • Integrating de-escalation training into various settings (e.g., churches, schools)

  • Considerations for training teenagers

Handling Armed Individuals

  • Approaching potentially armed individuals respectfully

  • Importance of maintaining dignity and seeking compliance

  • Using reasonable requests and scenarios to manage situations

Security and Liability in Churches

  • Understanding the role of church security teams

  • Importance of continuous training for volunteers

  • Role of de-escalation in managing trespassers and potential threats

Conclusion and Call to Action

  • Encouragement for continued education and training

  • Promotion of available training resources from Strategos

  • Invitation to reach out for additional support and consultation

 
Roy HarrymanComment