In a proactive move to combat the rise of violent incidents in places of worship, the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security, is set to provide specialized training for church leaders this weekend, according to reports by Local Memphis. The training will directly empower pastors and church security teams with the response skills necessary for surviving an active shooter event.
The Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events course, which is scheduled for March 23, has been tailored specifically for these community leaders, who often must double as first responders in a crisis. "Training is the cornerstone of safeguarding our houses of worship, forging a shield of preparedness and security of every worshipper," Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. said in the press release obtained by Local Memphis. The course, already at full capacity with 72 participants, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the SCSO Training Academy in Memphis.
The sheriff's office tweeted that the training will cover strategies like Avoid, Deny and Defend, as well as provide hands-on experience in dealing with potential threats. Civilians will also receive guidance on medical concerns and how to conduct efficient practice drills. The need for such training has accelerated as crimes have increasingly breached the sanctuaries of faith, necessitating a shift in how churches consider the safety of their flocks. This information was echoed by FOX13 Memphis.
Despite the grim reality that has led up to these sessions, the community's response indicates a strong commitment to take charge of their security. Plans for future courses are already underway, given the overwhelming demand. The course's location at 993 Dovecrest was confirmed by the official Shelby County Sheriff's Office, where interested church leaders were also redirected to sign up should further spaces become available.
