Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 19 July 2023

These updates are shared to help raise the situational awareness of Faith-Based organizations to best defend against, and mitigate the impacts from all-hazards threats including physical security, cybersecurity, and natural disasters.

Spate of mass shootings shows continued challenges with ‘soft targets’

DHS’ 26-page guide – DHS Soft Target and Crowded Place Security Enhancement and Coordination Plan (20180102) (cisa.gov) ­defines soft targets as locations that are easily accessible to large numbers of people and that have limited security or protective measures in place making them vulnerable to attack.

Security Info Watch reports that many “soft targets” need more aggressive security programs to protect against mass shootings. They need to go through a process called “the painful onion” that involves not just a single-source solution but comprehensive safety assessments, technology tailored to a structure’s unique challenges and better employee training.

Analyst Comment:

While it seems that mass attacks are on the rise, Faith-Based Organizations that have been hardened, stand less of a chance of being victimized. Newsweek reported that the Covenant School shooter considered attacking another location, but chose the Covenant School because it was an easier target. FBOs should consider improving security and making it obvious to an outsider that their facility has taken steps to make it more secure. Some security hardening measures that are obvious to a potential assailant include cameras, locked doors and bollards.

For additional information, CISA provides a 2-page bulletin – Active Shooter Attacks: Security Awareness for Soft Targets and Crowded Places (cisa.gov).

Also, the Faith-Based ISAO website provides Physical Threat Security Resources.