For several years, Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator has taken a lead role in insuring the safety of citizens at local churches. Now, as the busy holiday season approaches, the Caddo Sheriff’s Office is providing church facility threat assessments and customized training for church security teams. 

At Prator’s direction, the Caddo Sheriff’s Office developed the first program in the state to assess the safety of local churches and train church employees in emergency procedures for incidents involving fires, disturbances, medical emergencies, active shooters, or other incidents that could cause a building evacuation.

The program was developed so local church leaders could pre-plan before an emergency occurs.  The holiday season typically involves many large activities, and churches are encouraged to develop security plans. 

In some cases a church may only need to re-visit their existing building alarm system, Prator said.  However, others may wish to train a team of volunteers to handle everything from parking lot details to security in the church nursery.

“We seldom think of churches as places that should pre-plan for disturbances,” Prator said. “Let’s hope that no one ever needs to use these techniques, but awareness is always wise.” 

To schedule an individualized program at your church or receive more information call Capt. Kenny Sanders at 681-0735.