Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Church Security Legal Boundaries

One of the concerns that many churches have when they look at establishing a Safety or Security Team is what are they legally permitted to do?

Putting aside the well known separation of church and state limitations that exist, we all know that churches are required to follow both state and federal guidelines on many issues such as fire codes, employment regulations, food preparation standards, etc.

When we look at the legal requirements, trying to understand what regulations apply to a church security team can be a very taxing experience. Adding to the situation is the fact that the laws and regulations in two neighboring states can be vastly different. Some states have minimal regulations while others are very extensive.

In some states a church team must be a “Safety Team” not a “Security Team."

Finally, being “paid” verses “volunteer” can also determine what regulation you operate under.

Be sure to do you research well with your state department of Public Safety.

[By Jack Justice]

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