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Sadly, mass shootings are increasing in our country. Churches and other places of worship are not immune to this trend. In fact, with many churches desiring to keep their doors open to those who need access, it can be argued that churches are less secure and more in danger of potential mass shootings.
In light of this, a Security Team has been formed and is putting together emergency preparedness plans and evaluating potential security issues at GBPC.
These actions are not the result of any security breach or incident but are precautionary and preparatory. The best time to take appropriate security measures is before something happens.
A new feature to our existing security system has been installed. Remote access to the main entrance (east sanctuary entrance/large parking lot entrance) and office entrance doors were placed beside the doors (see figure above).
The intercom above will function as a doorbell, allowing video of the person at the door to
appear on a unit in the church office and enabling conversation. If entrance is desired, the office can “buzz” the visitor in.
We will now “go live” with the intercom on Monday, April 15. Until then, the doors will be
unlocked according to the previous schedule and as requested via the Building Use Request Form.
The greatest change will be at the office entrance, where the doors have in the past been left
unlocked during office hours.
This installation will mean that the doors will be locked during office hours (Monday-
Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.), and those desiring entrance must ring the doorbell, communicate with an individual (usually the Office Manager) in the office or on a smartphone app (up to 8 users), and be “buzzed” in.
*The doors will remain unlocked from 8:30 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. Monday through Friday for preschool drop-off.
Key fobs will continue to work.
Doors will continue to be programmed to lock and unlock based on activities scheduled through the Building Use form and church calendar.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a new process for us all. It is possible that, as we use this new security feature, we will modify how we use it. We appreciate your patient, constructive feedback as we strive to keep our campus safe.
If you have any questions, you can contact any member of the Security Team: Mike Boron, Jeff Horton, Justin Jaynes, Becky Miles, Tara Vitek, Lou Ventura or Bob Wilks.
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