SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — Dozens of Mid-South religious leaders met with Memphis Police Department to talk about how to keep you safe at church Thursday.
They discussed technology, floor plans and simple changes that could prevent a tragedy like what happened in Charleston earlier this summer where nine people were shot and killed inside a historical African-American church.
“It’s just kind of showing that we live in dangerous times,” said Donald Clayborn, the associate minister at Christ Community Church in South Memphis.
About 40 religious leaders from across Memphis and the Mid-South went to the meeting with various safety concerns.
They asked questions like how to keep their parking lot safe, when to order background checks, and should they install security cameras.
MPD held the meeting at Brown Missionary Baptist in Southaven, because organizers said the church has a top-notch security plan and wanted to show it off.
The church invested in security guards and nearly 150 security cameras that they said kept their congregation safe.
“We like to think we are a model. Hopefully set an example that others can follow that we have learned from others as well,” said Senior Associate Pastor Derrick Anderson.
Police polled the group and learned only 12% felt comfortable with their safety plan, so they gave tips like investing in bullet proof film in entry-way windows, making sure there’s no easy access to children and forming relationships with police.
“We need to train. We need to have drills. We need to protect everybody in our congregation,” said Denise Pittman with Unity Bible Church in Memphis.
Police are holding another workshop at Brown Missionary Baptist October 1 at 6:30 p.m.
It’s open to all religious leaders in the area, and they will discuss how to respond to a shooter and making sure your building is secure.
