Oregon City Stake
Meetinghouse Security Policy
(Updated Jul, 2021)
The following guidelines are intended to help leaders and members remain safe and be prepared for and respond to security incidents on church property or at church events. We expect bishoprics to discuss and implement these guidelines and work with their ward councils to educate and train all members on safety guidelines and trusting in the Lord for guidance and safety.
Implementing the practices listed below will increase safety:
Guidance for Church Members
Always follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
Avoid being alone in church buildings. Leaders instruct all members not to be alone in church buildings. Never enter the church alone when it is presumed empty. This applies to every day of the week including seminary.
On Sundays and other scheduled activities only open the main entry doors to the building, leave all other outside doors locked.
Never open the door for a person you do not know. Signage should instruct everyone to the main entrance.
When leaving the building at night make every effort not to enter the parking lot alone. Always lock your vehicles in the parking lot. Keep personal items, including bags, electronic devices, and garage door openers out of sight.
Encourage presidencies and committees to hold meetings in homes when safety and security concerns may be present. This applies specifically at times when the building may be empty with no other events scheduled.
Additional Guidance for Leaders
Bishoprics and ward councils should review the handbook policies and the letter “Security Guidelines for Church Meetings and Events” October 10, 2019 regularly. They should also pay attention to updates and additional information provided by church leaders.
Each ward will provide Melchizedek priesthood holders to watch each unlocked door during all scheduled meetings and activities. These individuals will observe those entering the building. They will also observe the parking lot. In addition to providing a vigilant eye, they should welcome everyone as they enter.
Ward councils determine the appropriate level of vigilance, paying attention to areas of the building where youth and children meet.
Should anything seem out of the ordinary, those watching entrances should report suspicious activity as decided by the ward council, including contacting local law enforcement if necessary. We should focus on any dangerous or alarming behavior and not merely appearance.
Ward councils consider signage at entrances to instruct people to use the main entrances to be unlocked. Train ward members which entrances will be open during scheduled events.
When planning, leaders should pay attention to those who may need access to the buildings from an ADA accessibility standpoint.
Members should always keep their access cards with them and use them to enter the buildings during times when the doors should be locked – they should not expect the building to left unlocked and open.
Weapons at Church Facilities
With the exception of current law enforcement officers, carrying lethal weapons on church property, concealed or otherwise, is prohibited as per the handbook.