Implementing and employing a security team that is not properly trained can cause not only physical risks to congregants but be subject to severe criminal or civil liabilities. Teams must be properly trained by law enforcement or certified and licensed training organizations, have continuous, documented training, and must adhere to the written security plan and standard operating procedures. History shows us that teams who meet these criteria will undoubtedly be sued; however, the ramifications of those who do not meet the basic standards will meet much greater legal scrutiny.
Civil Liability
By officially designating individuals as a “security team,” a house of worship legally assumes responsibility for their actions. It is a common misconception that religious institutions are granted immunity from gross negligence. If an untrained volunteer makes a catastrophic error, the organization is exposed to massive financial settlements under the doctrine of vicarious liability, meaning the church itself is sued for the actions of its representatives.
Excessive Force and Friendly Fire
The most severe liability arises when untrained or under-trained volunteers are permitted to carry firearms on campus. Merely possessing a concealed carry permit or having prior military or law enforcement experience from decades ago does not equate to being qualified for active sanctuary defense. The unique environment of a house of worship—featuring crowded seating, poor lighting, and panicked civilians—requires highly specialized tactical training. Untrained individuals often lack the skills to verbally de-escalate a situation, which can lead them to use physical or lethal force prematurely against an unarmed or mentally ill disruptive person. Additionally, in a crowded room, failing to properly isolate a target or consider the backstop means a missed shot will likely strike a congregant. Also, without strict coordination and identification protocols, responding local law enforcement may mistake an armed, plainclothes church volunteer for an active shooter, leading to devastating “friendly fire” incidents.
Community Liability
Beyond the courtroom, a mishandled security incident destroys the trust a community places in its religious leaders. Congregants expect a safe, welcoming environment for their families. If a volunteer aggressively mishandles a minor disruption or uses unnecessary force, families will inevitably leave the congregation. In the modern era of smartphones, any physical altercation involving a church security member will almost certainly be recorded and broadcast on local news and social media, permanently damaging the institution’s public witness and community standing. Finally, insurance providers routinely audit the risk profiles of their clients, and discovering an armed, untrained security team is a frequent trigger for the immediate cancellation of a congregation’s liability coverage.