Verkada urges religious institutions to adopt emergency plans, technology

SAN MATEO, Calif. — Nearly half of those who attend religious services (48%) say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll. 

Thirty-nine percent report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services. 

This research highlights a growing concern among faith communities about safety and underscores the need for new approaches to help institutions create secure and welcoming environments, says Verkada Public Safety Advisor Ben Jones, a retired police lieutenant.  

“For faith leaders ensuring the physical security of their congregations, it isn’t just about protection but about preserving the sense of peace and belonging these spaces represent,” he said. 

Concerns are the greatest among larger religious institutions. Thirty-two percent of attendees of institutions of 500 or more attendees report they are very concerned about their safety compared to 18% of attendees of smaller institutions, according to the research. 

There is also an age divide: 55% of Gen Z and 61% of Millennials express safety concerns at in-person services, compared to 40% of Gen X and 25% of Boomers. Younger attendees are also more likely to adjust their attendance due to safety concerns, with 53% of Gen Z and Millennials reporting they’ve changed their habits, compared to 36% of Gen X and 14% of Boomers, according to the research. 

Jones says churches, synagogues and other religious institutions need a layered security strategy to ensure they're able to maintain a welcoming and safe environment. 

“This approach begins with staffing a team of designated security personnel, whether they are full-time staff or part-time volunteers, who monitor main entrances as well as the parking lot,” he said. 

Jones said physical security measures are also essential, including: 

• Hardened barriers to prevent vehicles from penetrating the structure; 
• Limited points of entry through main doors, with these doors locked once services begin; and 
• Drop-off areas blocked by vehicles or other hardened barricades once the service has started.  

Finally, Jones said religious institutions need to leverage technology to give them the ability to determine and address threats in real-time before they escalate. 

“These technologies act as force multipliers, especially for institutions that rely on part-time security or volunteers,” he said. “Regardless of the strategies adopted, it is critical for religious institutions to have clear emergency response plans and to regularly practice those plans with their members."