PURPOSE OF THE HOUE OF WORSHIP (HOW)

TRAIN-THE-TRAINER

The train the trainer edition is an advance look the Ohio House of Worship Security Program, designed for OCPA members who hold the CPS© title. The course will equip the CPS to better understand and most efficiently facilitate the Ohio HOW Security Program as they return to their individual jurisdictions.

CRIMES IN WORSHIP?

There are a growing number of property crimes being committed against Houses of Worship—especially theft of funds, burglary, arson and vandalism. Even more disturbing, House of Worship members and staff are no less vulnerable to occurrences of personal and physical abuse than elsewhere. Those intent on victimizing the vulnerable know that the forgiving culture and easy access environment of the House of Worship can inadvertently foster an opportune place to strike. House of Worship leaders have the responsibility to conscientiously screen candidates, set boundaries, maintain an atmosphere of ethical behavior, and sustain a safe overall environment that is a hallmark of the House of Worship as a place of refuge and peace.

INSTRUCTORS

OCPA lead facilitators are former law enforcement officers and long- time members of the Ohio Crime Prevention Association, holding credentials and experienced in instructional skills and curriculum development. They are well versed and published in matters of crime prevention and safety, and are committed to presenting the course using a professional, informative and helpful approach. The instructors are not only experienced law enforcement veterans and corporate safety consultants; they also have pastoral experience which will bring a special, insightful point of view to the training. Our instructors have also earned the OCPA Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS©) designation.

WHY ATTEND THIS COURSE?

As future facilitators of the Program, the class will move more deliberately through the program than a general audience, not only familiarizing the CPS© with and learning the course content, but allowing time to focus on emphasis points that require a deeper understanding of the Program segments when presented in various HOW venues. This training course is designed to inform and educate those responsible for maintaining a safe environment for the people and property associated with churches, chapels, synagogues, temples, mosques, or any other place of worship we reverently call a House of Worship (HOW). This course will assist in helping House of Worship leaders to learn how to prevent, avoid, and control various risks associated with the members, staff, guests, and buildings that make up your House of Worship.

TRAINING PRESENTATION

Our presentation will cover topics to educate members, lay, staff, and clergy persons on how to protect people and property by: preventing accidents, injury, and neglect; safeguarding against loss from crime and theft of funds; protecting members and staff from abuse, liability, false claims, and lawsuits. Protection of those entrusted to your care is a key element of a House of Worship. Taking these additional, proactive steps will especially demonstrate your care and concern for the members, staff, and guests in your facility. Topics to be covered in the course include: Physical Security; Personal Security, Youth Safety and Programs, Critical Incidents, Financial Security, Electronic Data Security, Organizational Protocol