Sumter County places of worship urged to think about security
In the wake of the deadly attack on Charleston’s Emanuel AME church June 17, the Sumter County Sheriff’s department is offering local church leaders help in improving security at their places of worship.
“ It’s important we make sure we’re prepared, no matter how unpleasant it might be to think about or how remote we think the chances are,” said Sheriff Anthony Dennis in a news release.
The security seminars will help organizations develop security procedures including how to respond to a violent incident such as the gun attack in Charleston that left 9 people dead.
Dennis said more than 60% of churches nationwide have not developed security protocols.
Recognizing potential threats and knowing how to respond could “help minimize, and possibly eliminate, tragedy should such an unfortunate event occur,” Dennis said.