MORGANTOWN — To most, churches represent a sanctuary. But to some, they represent a target. Maybe even an easy target.
The West Virginia State Police are offering a free program to churches to help congregations prepare for violent incidents and hopefully avoid some, called Securing the Faithful.
Cpl. I.M. Harmon and Sgt. J. Mitchell make the presentations. Mitchell and Major V.S. Deeds developed the presentation. All three are pastors, “so you’ve already got the concern,” Harmon noted.
Officers realized that many churches could use training, education and awareness, Harmon said. Since 9-11, businesses and many other facilities have been “hardened,” or strengthened in security against attacks, “while churches remain a soft target.”
“We tell them to basically take their heads out of the sand, that this is an issue that’s not going away,” Harmon said. “And that statistically deadly force incidents are on the rise, and we have a Biblical responsibility as people of faith to protect the flock, the church, the congregation, the membership from deadly force incidents and that security means are needed.”
“We’re trying to make them aware and trying to help them prevent and plan,” responses to incidents, Harmon said.
To schedule a presentation of Securing the Faithful contact Cpl. I.M. Harmon at 304-290-4002 or email isaac.m.harmon@wvsp.gov.
