From the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships Team

Department of Homeland Security Resources to Support the Safety and Security of Religious and Community Organizations
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (DHS Center) works across DHS on policies and program priorities impacting faith and community-based organizations related to all-hazards preparedness, emergency and disaster response and recovery, safety and security. The DHS Center partners with the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) to develop resources that support the safety and security for faith and community organizations.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) works regularly with the faith-based community to enhance the security and safety of houses of worship. The agency provides a variety of training, exercise materials, products, and resources designed to enhance risk mitigation capabilities while maintaining their open and welcoming environment. A full list of resources is available at CISA.gov. 

CISA’s protective security advisors are located in communities across the United States, and can assist in assessments, planning, coordination and training for any organization, including houses of worship.
CISA faith-based security website (see www.cisa.gov/faith-based-organizations-houses-worship) provides direct access to the multitude of tools and resources specifically geared towards houses of worship security, including:

CISA faith-based security website (see www.cisa.gov/faith-based-organizations-houses-worship) provides direct access to the multitude of tools and resources specifically geared towards houses of worship security, including:

• The Security Self-Assessment Tool allows individuals with little to no security experience to determine potential vulnerabilities and commence the process to develop a security plan. In some cases, states may also allow the results of the self-assessment to be submitted as part of the Nonprofit Homeland Security Grant application process.
• The Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide provides insight into the threats posed to houses of worship based on a review of incidents in a 10-year span and suggests tangible protective measures through a layered security approach to enhance the security of houses of worship. This is a great resource to inform action following the self-assessment (or facilitated assessment through the Protective Security Advisor).

CISA also makes available a series of resources that faith-based leaders can leverage to augment security through employees and volunteers.

• The Power of Hello Guide for Houses of Worship assists non-security professionals in better identifying and effectively responding to suspicious behavior. The guide facilities the identification of observable suspicious behaviors, suggests questions to consider when navigating the threat, and includes information on when and how to obtain help. 
• The De-Escalation Series is comprised of four products that assist non-security professionals in recognizing the warning signs of someone on a path to violence; assess if the situation or person of concern is escalating, or if an emergency response is needed immediately; de-escalate the situation currently taking place through purposeful actions, verbal communication, and body language; and report the situation through established protocols including 9-1-1 for immediate threats.

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