The FB-ISAO FireArms in the House Series: What Did We Learn?

Starting in January of 2024, and ending in June of 2024, the Faith-Based Information Sharing and Analysis Organizations hosted a series of discussions on FireArms in the House. The FB-ISAO takes no position on this topic, other than to promote best practices in pursuit of the house of worship’s objectives and implementation of any appropriate model. The entire series of discussions is available to all members via the FB-ISAO recordings library. The library is accessible on the FB-ISAO Slack workspace.

The series was broken up into the following sessions:

• Introduction and Overview
• Armed Considerations
• Unarmed Considerations
• Legal Considerations
• Insurance Considerations
• Roundtable and Parting Thoughts

For a limited time, FB-ISAO is making access to the recording library available to non-members. Non-members can complete this form which stipulates the terms and conditions for access. Access will be provided for one year.

Below are just a few of the best practices shared by panelists. In addition to the best practices below, on 20 June, FB-ISAO published a FireArms in the House Series Digest. The digest captured the talking points made by panelists and is intended to assist houses of worship with making decisions that are appropriate to their unique circumstances. Additionally, on 26 June FB-ISAO published an advisory which provided considerations for navigating this complex topic. Both products, as well as the recordings, are available to members of the FB-ISAO.

• There are no cookie-cutter solutions. Identifying the right solution for your community and crafting the solution to your unique configuration of threats, risks, culture, environmental factors, and limitations is the recommended path.
• A holistic vulnerability assessment should precede any discussion. That assessment will help you determine your risk profile.
• Houses of Worship with schools on premises would do well in reviewing, and adhering to the federal, state, and local laws governing school sites.
• A security program encompasses many facets – firearms is just one of those facets. A robust security program could include the 5 Ds – Deter, Detect, Deny, Delay, and Defend (plus De-escalate).
• Firearms by themselves should not be considered a security program – they should be considered a tool for response.
• There are no “non-lethal” or “non-deadly” weapons. Rather, weapons exist on a continuum between more lethal and less lethal.
• Check with both attorneys and insurance providers when making and reviewing policy decisions and continue to stay in regular contact as laws and regulations can change. A house of worship’s liability could change as a result of changing laws and regulations.
• Consulting with state and local authorities – including local law enforcement is always encouraged.
• A part of any program includes adopting and maintaining clear and concise policies and procedures. Incorporating a regular review cycle of those policies and procedures is recommended. As is communicating and sharing policies and procedures with all who need them.

The series of discussions was planned and executed by the FB-ISAO Operational Resilience Working Group (ORG.). The ORG focuses on identifying non-cybersecurity-related threats – those pertaining to man-made threats, natural hazards and health issues – relevant to the community. The ORG helps to inform the FB-ISAO physical threat level, developing actions members can consider given a specific threat level, and other activities relating to enhancing the awareness, security and resilience of our members and community, during both routine operations and during incidents relevant to the community. Members may also help inform FB- ISAO staff efforts relating to analysis, reporting, and services. The ORG may help vet physical security-related ideas and initiatives from members and staff. The ORG, like all other FB-ISAO working groups, is member-led.

FB-ISAO is a community that provides me access to government and industry specialists, local, state and federal government alerts; latest data on breaking events and developing trends; information on available programs, initiatives, training opportunities; a library of reports; and a trusted network of fellow security practitioners with insight on how other faith organizations across denominations, large and small, nearby and throughout the country deal with the challenges of keeping their members and facilities safe.

A Member of the FB-ISAO Operational Resilience Working Group

Joining the ORG provides an opportunity for knowledge transfer as well as the ability to network with like-minded and like-focused professionals and volunteers. To join the ORG, individuals must be members of the FB-ISAO.