The Greater Hope Restoration Ministries security team is dedicated to the physical and medical safety of all who attend GHRM, with the goal to provide protection and assistance to our congretation, our children and youth, the pastoral staff, visitors and the physical facilities and grounds.
It is important to us that our congregants feel safe and secure in their worship and service to the Lord. In this changing times we have implemented plans to ensure that this happens.
GHRM has an active and onsite security team that is prepared to handle any hostile intrusion or threat to the safety and security of those that are in our building or on our grounds.
Our security team is headed up by a current law officer who is also a recently retired Pa. state trooper. He comes with 20 plus years of experience and expertise in the field of law enforcement, protection and security. The team also includes trained men and women who are licensed to carry concealed weapons.
The GHRMST also assists our first aid medical and mental health responders in emergency situations.
The GHRMST are onsite at all weekday and weekend worship services and also assists with holiday worships services and special events.
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GHRM First Responders – When available, this GHRM Team provides simple first aid , Electronic Defibrillator (AED) support, and for those who are properly trained, extensive first aid and/or CPR until local EMS personnel arrive on scene.
Concealed Weapons Policy: Our GHRMST members are trained and will carry the appropriate equipment to respond to critical incidents. If you have a Concealed Carry Permit and carry your weapon with you when you visit our church, we ask that you let us know and that you not respond with your weapon if a GHRMST member is responding to a critical incident. We certainly don’t want a misidentification to lead to a tragedy. If you do carry to church please contact the GHRMST to help us to improve our situational awareness.
Situational Awareness: SA is simply a general awareness of your surroundings and those things that could cause problems. Some of the key tenants of SA are listed below:
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Stay alert to your surroundings.
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Who is around you…is there somebody at the church that you don’t recognize and seems to be out of place?
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What is around you…are the front doors left propped open during the evening?
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If something doesn’t look right to you, ask someone to assist you in checking it out. If a member of the GHRMST is available, please contact them.
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Be suspicious of things that don’t look right.
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Trust your instincts.
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Safety first. If you are suspicious, get to a safer location and report it.
Personal Security/Safety Tips:
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Walk to your vehicle with a companion whenever possible, especially after evening or night church activities.
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If you leave an activity early, ask someone to escort you to your vehicle.
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In the parking lot away from the lighted area, be aware of other parked cars. Automobiles are sometimes used to hide in, under or behind.
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Have your keys in your hand as you approach your vehicle. Move confidently and quickly. Look inside of your vehicle before entering. Enter and lock your doors immediately.
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Our GHRMST does periodic sweeps through the parking lot and around the entire premises during weekend services and, if available, during evening activities. If you feel uncomfortable with anything that you see in the parking lot, contact any GHRMST member or any other church member.
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Notify a security team member if you see any suspicious activity.
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Please sign your children into any student ministry activities. This action will help us to account for all children in case of an emergency evacuation from the building.
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Do not allow children to roam freely throughout the church. Teach children to get to an adult if they become separated from you.
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Never leave your car running or leave children unattended in your vehicle.
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Never park your car in front of the main entrance to the church.
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Always move your valuables out of view within your car. Lock and close all doors and windows even if you plan on being gone for just a few minutes.
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Please drive slowly through the parking lot, especially between services. There are often numerous people moving through the area, some of which may not be visible to you.
GHRMST Time Commitment:
Sunday 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Late after services as scheduled
Wednesday 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 pm
1-2 services/month commitment
Occasional team meetings/training
Requirements:
Must be a member of Greater Hope Restoration Ministries (upon completion of new member course).
A background check/interview must be completed along with a security team application and submission of any licensed to carry documents.
CLICK HERE to complete your security team application.
