Churches across the U.S. have been experiencing a concerning trend of surveillance activities. These incidents typically involve one to four individuals entering religious establishments and attempting to record interior areas, particularly spaces where congregants gather. Exterior surveillance, including photographing parking lots, entryways, and exits, has also been reported. Suspects often ask pointed questions about church operations, including service duration, attendance numbers, live streaming capabilities, security measures, and exit locations.
Most incidents occur outside of service hours, although some have taken place during live services. When these individuals remain for the service, they rarely participate in activities and instead focus more on the building's interior features than on those leading the service. In many cases, those conducting the surveillance do not return. Some have employed cover stories, claiming that their religious elders encouraged them to explore other faiths, often asserting affiliations with Islam or Hinduism. Reports of these incidents have emerged from multiple cities in California, Florida, Virginia, Washington, Illinois, Texas, and Ohio, as well as in Arizona and West Virginia. Over the past several months, the frequency of these events has increased significantly, suggesting a growing trend that warrants increased awareness.
Why This Matters
The similarity in modus operandi across multiple states suggests that these surveillance efforts may be coordinated or inspired by other reported incidents. Given the geographic spread and increasing frequency of these activities, they could indicate pre-attack surveillance for potential terrorist activity or organized crime, such as robbery rings. Churches often hesitate to report suspicious activity, but this reluctance can allow threats to persist undetected. Several documented cases of suspected terrorists casing churches highlight the need for vigilance, as every incident should be taken seriously. Additionally, organized crime groups have targeted religious establishments for theft and other criminal activities. By reporting these incidents, churches can help law enforcement better track and assess potential threats.
What to Do if You Witness Suspicious Activity
Report It Immediately: Contact both local law enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Even minor incidents contribute to the broader intelligence picture.
Document Visitor Information: Make it a standard practice to record IDs of all visitors. No exceptions.
Strengthen Your Network: Build relationships with nearby churches and businesses to share information about suspicious activities. A community-wide watch enhances security.
Enhance Access Control: Limit entry points and monitor access to areas where children gather during services. Specifically, control access to entry points and exits of the building, ensuring that no unauthorized individuals can enter, especially in sensitive areas.
Properly Train and Equip Your Safety Team: Allocate time and budget to select, train, and equip a dedicated security team. They must be well-trained in handling threats and emergency situations.
Conduct Regular Security Drills: Safety teams and staff should hold emergency preparedness exercises at least once a month outside of service hours.
Monitor School Safety: If a school is affiliated with the church, be alert to individuals showing undue interest in the school, especially those without children enrolled. There have been reports of individuals attempting to access school areas under suspicious circumstances, such as asking about the school without having children and trying to access locked doors.
Hire Off-Duty Officers: If possible, have a uniformed off-duty officer on-site to manage traffic and serve as a liaison for responding law enforcement in case of an emergency.
Train Staff in Emergency Response: All staff should be trained in AED (Automated External Defibrillator) use, CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), BLS (Basic Life Support), and Stop the Bleed techniques.
Empower Congregants and Staff: Train ushers and staff to recognize pre-attack indicators and report concerns to the safety team. Emphasize that everyone can serve as a sensor, playing a crucial role in identifying suspicious incidents and acting as a force multiplier in enhancing overall safety.
Review CCTV Footage Regularly: Surveillance cameras should be checked frequently to ensure no suspicious activity was overlooked review if service is in session or not.
Churches must take a proactive stance in recognizing and responding to surveillance efforts. By staying vigilant, reporting incidents, and implementing security measures, congregations can enhance safety and deter potential threats. Awareness and preparedness are key to protecting religious communities from harm. Additionally, efforts to monitor areas where children gather, limit access to these areas, and be vigilant for individuals with suspicious motives will further strengthen the church's defenses.