Third-Party v. Volunteer Security Details

Policies, procedures, and physical security improvements form the foundation of a sound security program, but a proficient security team brings it to life. Whether relying on volunteers or hiring private security or law enforcement (“third-party security”), churches need people on the ground to monitor activity and respond to incidents. Churches can select among these options, or adopt a hybrid approach, to find the solution that best fits the unique needs of their ministries.

Third-Party Security

Hiring third-party security is a commonly-used option among churches that offers two main benefits. First, it reduces the burden of recruiting, training, and managing volunteers, most of whom would have no professional experience in security. Second, it significantly reduces the liability that the church would otherwise incur by relying on an internally-sourced volunteer team. However, this option comes with a hefty price tag and a lack of control (and possibly quality) that some churches may find unbearable. Additionally, churches can still be held liable if they are aware of issues with their hired security that would preclude them from providing reasonable care.

Private Security Contractors

Hiring a reputable security company is often the most cost-effective option when it comes to third-party security. Churches typically benefit from lower hourly rates, flexibility to choose between armed and unarmed guards, and greater control over on-site duties. Private security also provides a visible deterrent and, in many cases, possess similar arrest powers to law enforcement.

However, quality can sometimes be a concern. Lower rates can reflect lower pay, making it difficult for companies to recruit and retain highly capable personnel. Issues may include lateness, disengagement, lack of professionalism, or failure to follow post orders. Training standards can also vary significantly, as they are often driven by minimal state requirements and company policy. For example, an armed officer may only qualify with his weapon annually, whereas an internal volunteer program might require more frequent and rigorous firearms training. Finally, contractors may have difficulty fitting in with a church’s culture due to rotating personnel.

While strong firms will work to address these issues, not all do, which can actually decrease the church’s security and possibly result in liability for the church. Accordingly, churches must thoroughly vet and continually assess any security company they hire. Additionally, churches should discuss indemnity agreements and insurance coverage with the security company to minimize liability.

Law Enforcement Officers

Off-duty law enforcement officers are often viewed as the gold standard for third-party security due to their training, experience, and authority. Their presence can deter threats and provide quick access to backup if needed. From a liability standpoint, they also offer stronger protection than contractors or volunteers, provided that they are acting within the scope of their official duties.

Unfortunately, that level of capability comes at a cost that many churches cannot sustain. Even with a full security budget, some churches may only be able to afford one or two officers per week, which is often insufficient for comprehensive campus coverage. Availability is also limited, as there are not enough officers to meet demand, and higher-paying churches typically secure the most experienced personnel.

Law enforcement officers will also come with a lack of control and sometimes even poor quality. Officers must follow departmental policies, which may limit their ability to adhere to church-specific procedures. They may also adopt more of a passive security posture, such as remaining in a parked vehicle rather than actively patrolling. As with contractors, quality can vary based on the individual officer, level of experience and training, and the department’s standards.

Since churches will ultimately rely on law enforcement during a serious incident regardless, having at least one officer on site during high-attendance activities is ideal when feasible. When it is not, or when additional coverage is needed, a vetted security company is often the next best option. However, churches may opt to blend third-party security with volunteers or merely forgo the expense of third-party security altogether and rely solely on volunteers, which provide their own unique strengths and weaknesses.

Volunteer Security Teams

Volunteer security teams can be highly effective, or highly risky, depending on how they are implemented. Because volunteers operate under the church’s authority, the church is legally responsible for their actions, which increases liability if something goes wrong. They also require significant time and energy to recruit, train, and supervise. Once established, maintaining a fully equipped team with ongoing oversight can be challenging. Despite these potential drawbacks, a correctly structured and led security team provides several advantages over third-party security.

First, volunteers provide consistency and familiarity. They know the congregation, can recognize unusual behavior while still showing grace when needed, and align closely with the church’s culture and mission, creating a more integrated, mission-driven approach than hired personnel.

Second, volunteers can offer auxiliary services for smaller churches that third-party security may not provide. They can be cross-trained to assist with parking, ushering, or medical response, stepping in where appropriate without compromising security coverage.

Third, the church retains maximum control over the team, from recruitment and conduct standards to training requirements, proficiency benchmarks, and adherence to church policies. This allows security programs to be fine-tuned to the ministry’s specific mission, culture, and values.

Finally, the cost of training and equipping a volunteer team is far lower than paying for third-party security every week, making it the most practical option for churches with limited budgets without sacrificing quality or control.

While creating a proficient volunteer team takes time, it is one of the best tools a church can use to take true ownership of its own security, especially when used in conjunction with third-party security.

Finding the Right Balance

For many churches, a hybrid model works best: a well-led volunteer team supported by at least one trained professional provides deterrence, rapid response, and added liability protection. If a church lacks the resources or leadership to maintain a volunteer program, outsourcing may be the safer option. Regardless of the approach, it’s essential to have at least one security-focused individual on site who can respond to incidents. Churches should also maintain a hands-on role with their security personnel or volunteers to ensure reasonable care and minimize liability.

Partner with Flock Tactical

Flock Tactical helps churches build and strengthen security programs through training, consulting, and policy development tailored to each ministry’s mission and resources. Whether using volunteers or professional personnel, Flock Tactical provides the guidance and tools to create a safe worship environment.