Shepherd's Shield
Safety Foundation
Assessor Training Guide
Train the Trainer — Houses of Worship Security Assessment Program
Equipping qualified instructors to conduct professional, faith-centered security assessments for houses of worship — protecting congregations with expertise, integrity, and compassion.
Instructor Use Only — Confidential
Version 1.0 | Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation | 2026
Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation — Assessor Training Guide — Instructor Use Only
Mission: To equip, train, and certify qualified security professionals to conduct thorough, compassionate, and actionable security assessments for houses of worship — with the goal of protecting every congregation, preserving every life, and glorifying God through preparation.
As a Shepherd's Shield Certified Assessor, you are not simply conducting an inspection. You are serving as a trusted advisor to faith communities that may have little or no security expertise. Every congregation you assess is placing their trust in you — and your findings will directly impact the safety of their staff, volunteers, children, and worshippers.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to conduct a professional, thorough, and credible security assessment from initial contact through final report delivery.
All assessments must be conducted through the lens of de-escalation first. Our goal is not to militarize houses of worship but to help them become prepared, aware, and resilient communities. Every recommendation must be practical, proportionate, and grounded in the preservation of life.
✅ Our Approach
Compassionate • Faith-centered • Practical • Non-alarmist • Life-preserving • Empowering
⛔ Not Our Approach
Fear-based • Militaristic • Condescending • One-size-fits-all • Overwhelming • Profit-driven
Section 1 — The Role of the AssessorPage 2
Section 2 — Before the Assessment (Preparation)Page 2
Section 3 — Conducting the Site WalkPage 3
Section 4 — Scoring the Assessment (Decision Guide)Page 4
Section 5 — Pillar-by-Pillar Assessment GuidePage 5
Section 6 — Interview Questions for Church LeadershipPage 7
Section 7 — Delivering the ReportPage 8
Section 8 — Ethics & ConfidentialityPage 8
Section 9 — Assessor Do's and Don'tsPage 9
Section 10 — Certification RequirementsPage 9
Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation — Assessor Training Guide — Instructor Use Only
A Shepherd's Shield Certified Assessor serves in three capacities during every engagement:
- Observer — Systematically walk the facility and document what exists, what is missing, and what is partially in place using the official assessment tool.
- Interviewer — Engage church leadership, security team members, and staff with structured questions to understand policies, training history, and current posture beyond what is physically visible.
- Educator — After scoring, translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations that leadership can realistically implement. You are a resource, not a critic.
⚠️ Important: You are not law enforcement during an assessment. You have no enforcement authority. Your role is advisory. Always obtain written consent from church leadership before beginning any assessment.
- Always carry your Shepherd's Shield Assessor credential and a valid photo ID
- Dress professionally — business casual or business attire unless otherwise directed
- Never discuss assessment findings with anyone other than authorized church leadership
- Never photograph or record a facility without explicit written permission
- Treat every church as a ministry partner, not a client transaction
- Always open and close the assessment engagement with a brief prayer if welcomed by the church
- Obtain a signed Assessment Authorization Form from the senior pastor or designated authority before visiting
- Identify and confirm your primary point of contact at the church
- Confirm the date, time, and who will accompany you during the walk-through
- Request a copy of their current floor plan or site map if available
- Ask in advance: average attendance, number of services per week, school or childcare on premises, existing security team (if any)
- Search the church name and address for any recent incidents, news coverage, or threat history
- Use Google Maps Satellite view to study the property layout, parking, perimeter, and surrounding area before you arrive
- Note nearby roads, high-speed approach vectors, and adjacent properties
- Identify the nearest fire station, police precinct, and hospital
- 📋 Shepherd's Shield Assessment Tool (printed or tablet)
- 📋 Assessment Authorization Form (signed copy)
- 📱 Camera or phone for documentation (with permission)
- 📓 Notepad and pens
- 🔍 Flashlight (for checking dim areas, mechanical rooms)
- 📏 Measuring tape (for CPTED vegetation checks)
- 📋 Extra assessment forms
- 💾 USB drive or secure cloud access for report delivery
- 💺 Business cards
- 🗂 Shepherd's Shield Assessor credential
Before entering the facility, take a moment to review all 10 assessment pillars in your mind. Visualize the walk-through from perimeter to interior. Ask yourself: "What am I looking for? What would a threat actor see when approaching this property?" Approach the assessment with the mindset of both a protector and an adversary — this dual perspective reveals the most vulnerabilities.
Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation — Assessor Training Guide — Instructor Use Only
The Policy Review page in the assessment tool must be completed before beginning the pillar checklist. Conduct the policy review during your opening interview with church leadership. Bring the assessment tool (or a printed policy review sheet) and go through each policy with your primary contact.
- Ask to see the document — Do not accept verbal confirmation alone. If a policy is claimed to be written, ask to see it. If they cannot produce it within 5 minutes, it is not a functional written policy.
- Check the date — Any policy last reviewed more than 2 years ago is rated Written & Outdated, not Written & Current.
- Check for acknowledgment records — A good policy has staff signature pages showing who has read and agreed to it. No signatures = likely verbal in practice regardless of whether it is written.
- Note the responsible party — Every policy should have a named owner. “The church” is not an owner. A specific person or role is required.
| Status | Definition | What the Assessor Must See |
|---|
| Written & Current | Formally documented policy reviewed within the last 2 years, known to relevant staff | Physical or digital document with a date, plus evidence it has been communicated |
| Written & Outdated | Written policy exists but has not been reviewed in 2+ years, or is significantly out of date | Document with a date older than 2 years, or content that references outdated procedures |
| Verbal Only | Leadership understands the policy informally but it is not formally documented | Leadership can describe procedures but cannot produce a written document |
| None | No policy exists in any form. Leadership has not addressed this area. | No document, no consistent verbal understanding, blank looks when asked |
⚠️ Most Critical Policies: Child Protection, Lockdown/Active Threat, and Weapons & Firearms policies are the three most critical. If any of these are rated Verbal Only or None, flag them as immediate priorities in your report regardless of pillar scores.
The site walk should follow the same order as the assessment pillars — outside-in. Begin at the perimeter and work your way inward. This mirrors how a threat would approach the facility and ensures you observe the environment in the same sequence a potential bad actor would.
1Opening Meeting (15 min) — Meet with your church contact. Explain the process, timeline, and what you will need access to. Collect any documents (security plan, emergency plans, training records). Ask your opening interview questions.
2Outer Perimeter (20 min) — Walk the full outer boundary of the property. Assess fencing, vehicle barriers, vegetation, lighting, signage, and high-speed avenues of approach (HSAA). Check for IED concealment points near the building.
3Parking Lots (15 min) — Evaluate traffic flow, lane markings, barriers near pedestrian areas, drop-off zones, VSS coverage, and emergency vehicle access.
4Building Exterior (20 min) — Walk the full exterior of the building. Check every door (number, hardware, self-closing, locking). Assess exterior camera placement, lighting coverage, and entry control points.
5Building Interior (30 min) — Enter through the main public entry. Evaluate the vestibule/foyer, visitor management, interior doors, corridor sight lines, sanctuary, children's wing, nursery, offices, mechanical rooms, and utility spaces.
6Systems Check (15 min) — Test PA system coverage, locate panic buttons, inspect VSS monitor location and recording setup, check AED and medical supply locations, verify exit signs and emergency lighting.
7Closing Interview (15 min) — Review any questions that arose during the walk. Ask about training history, drill records, and security team composition. Collect any remaining documents.
| Area | What to Look For | Common Deficiencies Found |
|---|
| Perimeter | Fencing gaps, unlocked gates, overgrown vegetation blocking sight lines, unlit areas, lack of vehicle barriers near main entry | No vehicle standoff barriers; shrubs taller than 3 ft blocking camera views |
| Parking | Unmarked fire lanes, no drop-off zone, poor lighting in far corners, no traffic calming devices near main entrance | Fire lanes blocked by regular vehicles; no speed reduction near pedestrian crossing |
| Entry Points | Multiple unlocked doors during service, no visitor sign-in, no vestibule control, missing door numbers for 911 response | Side and back doors propped open; no door numbering system; no visitor management |
| VSS | Camera blind spots at main entry, parking lot corners, children's wing hallways; DVR/NVR in unsecured location; outdated or offline cameras | Cameras present but not recording; DVR on unsecured shelf anyone can access |
| Interior | Poor sight lines in sanctuary, children's rooms without two-way comms to security, unlocked mechanical rooms, cash handling with no controls | Children's wing door propped open; no check-in/out system; offering counted in open area |
| Medical | AED location unknown to staff, first aid kit in locked closet, no hemorrhage kit, supplies expired | AED present but no one trained; Stop-the-Bleed kit still in packaging |
Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation — Assessor Training Guide — Instructor Use Only
Consistent, objective scoring is the foundation of a credible assessment. Use the decision criteria below to determine the correct answer for every checklist item. When in doubt, always score conservatively — it is better to flag a deficiency and be corrected than to miss a vulnerability.
| Answer | Points | When to Use It | Example |
|---|
| YES |
2 |
The control is fully in place, operational, maintained, and documented. No significant gaps observed. |
Camera is installed, recording, footage is stored 30+ days, and a staff member is assigned to monitor it. |
| PARTIAL |
1 |
The control exists but is incomplete, inconsistent, or not fully functional. In progress counts as Partial only if a concrete plan and timeline exist. |
Cameras are installed but one entrance has a blind spot. Or: church has a written security plan but it has not been updated in 3+ years. |
| NO |
0 |
The control is absent, non-functional, or completely unaddressed. Intention to implement without a plan does not count. |
No cameras exist. No written security plan. No AED on premises. Staff unaware of evacuation routes. |
| N/A |
— |
The item is genuinely not applicable to this facility's design, size, or context. N/A excludes the item from scoring entirely — it does not hurt or help the score. Use sparingly and document your reason. |
Children's wing access control marked N/A for a church with no children's ministry or nursery. Separate fencing for children's area N/A if no children's outdoor area exists. |
⚠️ The Most Common Scoring Mistake: Marking PARTIAL when the correct answer is NO. Do not give credit for intent. If a church says “we've been meaning to get an AED” — that is a NO, not a PARTIAL. PARTIAL requires something tangible to actually be in place.
Pillar Score = (Points Earned ÷ Points Possible) × 10
N/A items are excluded from both earned and possible. The assessment tool calculates this automatically.
Example: Pillar has 10 items. 2 marked N/A (excluded). Remaining 8 items = 16 possible points. Church earns 11 points. Score = (11 ÷ 16) × 10 = 6.9 / 10 — Needs Improvement
| Score Range | Rating | Assessor Action Required |
|---|
| 8.5 – 10.0 | EXEMPLARY | Acknowledge strong posture. Recommend annual re-assessment to maintain standard. |
| 7.0 – 8.4 | SATISFACTORY | Note specific gaps. Recommend 90-day improvement plan for identified items. |
| 5.0 – 6.9 | NEEDS IMPROVEMENT | Clearly document each gap. Provide specific, prioritized recommendations. Schedule follow-up. |
| Below 5.0 | ⛱ DEFICIENT — PRIORITY | This pillar requires immediate attention regardless of overall score. Flag it explicitly in the report and verbal debrief. Recommend corrective action before next service if possible. |
Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation — Assessor Training Guide — Instructor Use Only
Use the following guidance when assessing each pillar. These notes supplement the checklist — they tell you what to look for, what to ask, and what good looks like vs. deficient.
What to Look For:
Existence of a formal security committee, written security plan, and evidence the plan is actively maintained. Look for meeting minutes, sign-in sheets, and evidence of coordination with local law enforcement.
Key Question to Ask:
"Can you show me your current written security plan and when it was last updated?" If they cannot produce it within 2 minutes, assume it does not exist as a functional document.
What Exemplary Looks Like:
Written plan, updated within 12 months, coordinator identified by name, regular meeting schedule documented, LEO relationship established, congregation has been briefed.
Common Deficiency:
Church has a "plan" that exists only in the pastor's head or as a brief email from 3 years ago. This is a NO, not a PARTIAL.
CPTED Rules to Apply:
- Shrubs: no taller than 3 feet (CPTED 2-foot rule — use 3 ft as practical standard)
- Tree canopy: no lower than 8 feet to the lowest branch (CPTED 6-foot rule — use 8 ft as standard)
- No concealment gaps between the ground and tree canopy
Vehicle-as-a-Weapon (VAAW) Check:
Stand at the main pedestrian entry during your walk. Ask: "Could a vehicle at high speed reach this doorway without any physical obstruction?" If yes, vehicle barriers are needed. Check for HSAAs (roads that feed directly toward pedestrian areas with no barriers).
IED Concealment Check:
Walk the perimeter looking for objects within 100 feet of the building where an explosive device could be concealed: dumpsters, HVAC units, dense planters, unsecured storage, utility boxes. These should be noted and assessed for risk.
What to Check:
Drive through the parking lot as if you were a first-time visitor. Are lanes clear? Is the main entry obvious? Can an emergency vehicle reach all sides of the building? Are pedestrians crossing traffic lanes without protection? Is any drop-off zone separated from parking traffic?
Key Observation:
Many churches have fire lanes that are routinely blocked by staff or volunteers. If the lanes are not enforced and regularly clear, score as PARTIAL or NO depending on severity.
The Single Entry Point Standard:
During services, all public entry should funnel through ONE controlled point. Walk every exterior door. Any door that is propped open, unlocked, or unmonitored during services is a vulnerability regardless of intent.
Door Numbering Test:
Ask staff: "If I called 911 and said there is an incident at Door 4, would responders know which door that is?" If doors are not numbered and visible from both inside and outside, score this NO.
Knox Box:
A Knox Box allows fire/EMS to access the building without forced entry. Highly recommended for any church with complex layouts. If not in place, note as a recommendation.
Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation — Assessor Training Guide — Instructor Use Only
Critical Coverage Points (must have cameras):
- All exterior entry/exit doors • Parking lots • Main lobby/foyer • Children's wing entrance • Hallways leading to sanctuary • Offering/cash counting area
Common Issues to Check:
Cameras present but pointed wrong direction, blocked by signage, or at resolution too low to identify faces. DVR/NVR stored in an unlocked, accessible location (should be in a locked room). Footage retention less than 30 days. No one assigned to review footage after incidents.
Important Distinction:
Cameras that are installed but not recording = NO (they provide a false sense of security). Cameras recording but stored unsecured = PARTIAL.
Radio Test:
If two-way radios are claimed, ask to see them and verify they are charged and assigned to named team members. Radios that exist but are stored uncharged in a drawer = PARTIAL at best.
PA System Test:
Walk to the farthest classroom, nursery, and outdoor area. Can the PA clearly be heard in all locations? If dead zones exist, score PARTIAL.
Panic Buttons:
Locate any panic/duress buttons. Ask: "Who receives the alert when this is triggered? How long has it been since it was last tested?" If staff cannot answer, score as PARTIAL.
The Document Test:
A written plan that no one has read is not a functional plan. Ask to see the active threat / lockdown plan. Then ask the receptionist or a volunteer: "If there was a lockdown right now, what would you do?" The answer reveals whether the plan is truly embedded in the organization.
Drill History:
Ask for the date of the last active threat drill or fire evacuation drill. Anything over 12 months = deficiency. No record of any drill ever = NO for drill-related items.
Hard Corners:
Walk the sanctuary and each classroom. Are there positions within the room that provide cover and concealment from a door breach? If staff cannot identify any, this has not been taught.
Key Questions:
How many team members? Are they armed or unarmed? Have all undergone background checks? Are they trained in de-escalation FIRST? Are armed members legally licensed per state law? Do they conduct pre-service briefings?
Red Flag:
Armed security team members who have not completed force-on-force scenario training are a significant liability. Note this prominently in the report with a recommendation for Shepherd's Shield scenario-based training.
The Stop-the-Bleed Standard:
In a mass casualty event, the ability to control hemorrhage in the first 3–5 minutes before EMS arrives saves lives. Verify: tourniquets accessible and out of packaging, pressure bandages available, staff trained. Supplies still in packaging = PARTIAL at best (time under stress does not allow for wrestling with blister packs).
AED Location Test:
Ask a random staff member: "Where is the nearest AED?" If they do not know, score awareness items as NO.
Children's Wing Priority:
The children's wing is the highest-value target for predatory individuals and must be assessed with the greatest scrutiny. Verify: controlled access, check-in/check-out system, background checks for ALL volunteers (no exceptions), VSS coverage, and direct communication line to security command.
Offering / Cash Handling:
Offerings counted in open areas with multiple people present but no documented procedures = PARTIAL. No controls at all = NO. This is both a safety and integrity issue.
Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation — Assessor Training Guide — Instructor Use Only
Use these questions during your opening and closing interviews. Take notes on responses. What leadership says — and what they cannot answer — is as revealing as the physical walk-through.
- "How would you describe the current state of security at this facility?"
- "Has this church ever experienced a security incident, threat, or concerning situation?"
- "What prompted you to request this assessment today?"
- "Does your congregation know security measures are in place? How was that communicated?"
- "Who has final decision-making authority on security matters?"
- "What is your budget capacity for implementing security improvements?"
- "Walk me through what happens the moment you arrive for a Sunday service."
- "What is your protocol if you observe someone acting suspiciously in the parking lot?"
- "When was the last time your team trained together, and what did that training cover?"
- "Have your armed team members completed scenario-based or force-on-force training?"
- "How do you communicate with the rest of the team during a service?"
- "If a lockdown was called right now, what is the first thing each team member does?"
- "If someone entered the building and you felt threatened, what would you do?"
- "Where is the nearest AED? When were you last trained to use it?"
- "Do you know the evacuation route from this office? Where is the rally point?"
- "Have you ever participated in an active threat or lockdown drill here?"
- Open with affirmation — Acknowledge what the church is doing well before presenting deficiencies. Every church has something to praise. This builds receptivity.
- Present the Overall Score — Show the score card. Explain what the number means in plain language. Avoid alarming language; use empowering language.
- Walk through each pillar — Highlight 1–2 priority items per pillar. Do not overwhelm leadership with 50 action items. Focus on highest-impact improvements first.
- Flag all Deficient Pillars (below 5.0) explicitly — These require attention before the next service if possible. Be direct but compassionate.
- Deliver the written Summary Report — Hand or email the Summary Report (not the full assessment — keep your tool proprietary). Walk through it with them.
- Propose a follow-up — Offer a 90-day re-assessment or training engagement to address the highest-priority gaps.
- Close with prayer — If welcomed, close the meeting with a brief prayer for the protection of the congregation.
⚠️ Never deliver a written report on the same day as the assessment without review. Always review your scoring, check for errors, and ensure your notes are complete before producing the final report. Rushed reports contain mistakes that damage your credibility.
- The assessment report is a sensitive security document. Treat it as classified. Store all physical copies securely and shred any working copies after the final report is delivered.
- Digital copies must be password-protected before transmission. Never email an unprotected assessment report.
- Never discuss assessment findings publicly — not on social media, not in casual conversation, not as a reference without explicit written permission from the church.
- Conflicts of interest must be disclosed. If you are a member of the church you are assessing, disclose this to Shepherd's Shield leadership before accepting the engagement.
- You are not permitted to sell products or services during or immediately following an assessment beyond Shepherd's Shield-authorized training and consulting services.
- All photography and documentation of facility vulnerabilities must be stored securely and deleted after report delivery unless the church has given written authorization for retention.
- Mandatory reporting: If during an assessment you observe evidence of imminent danger, active criminal activity, or child abuse/neglect, you are obligated to contact the appropriate authorities immediately.
Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation — Assessor Training Guide — Instructor Use Only
✅ DO
- Carry your credential and ID at all times
- Introduce yourself to every staff member you encounter
- Document everything — even things that are done well
- Ask follow-up questions when something is unclear
- Score what you observe, not what you are told
- Use plain language — avoid jargon with non-security personnel
- Present findings as opportunities for improvement
- Recommend Shepherd's Shield training for gaps you identify
- Follow up in writing within 48 hours of the debrief
- Maintain a respectful, faith-centered tone throughout
- Protect the assessment tool — it is proprietary
⛔ DO NOT
- Enter restricted areas without escort and permission
- Handle any security equipment, weapons, or alarms
- Give a score based on what a church intends to do
- Share findings with anyone not authorized by the church
- Photograph without explicit written permission
- Overpromise outcomes or guarantee safety
- Conduct an assessment alone in sensitive areas without escort
- Discuss other churches you have assessed by name
- Provide a verbal final score before you have completed and reviewed the full assessment
- Use fear tactics or alarming language with leadership
- Leave your assessment materials unattended at the facility
🛡️ Shepherd's Shield Certified Assessor (SSCA)
Candidates must meet all requirements below to carry the Shepherd's Shield Certified Assessor credential and conduct official assessments on behalf of the foundation.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|
| Background Check | Clean criminal background check required. No disqualifying offenses. Completed through Shepherd's Shield authorized provider. |
| Professional Experience | Minimum 3 years of experience in law enforcement, military, licensed security, emergency management, or equivalent faith-based security leadership. |
| Licensing | Must hold any required state security or consulting license for the jurisdiction where assessments are conducted. |
| Training Completion | Complete the full Shepherd's Shield Assessor Training Program (this guide + practical assessment lab). |
| Supervised Assessment | Complete a minimum of 2 supervised assessments alongside a certified lead assessor before conducting independent assessments. |
| Written Evaluation | Pass the Shepherd's Shield Assessor written examination with a score of 80% or higher. |
| Practical Evaluation | Demonstrate competency in a live assessment scenario evaluated by a Shepherd's Shield lead instructor. |
| Code of Ethics Agreement | Sign and return the Shepherd's Shield Assessor Code of Ethics and Confidentiality Agreement. |
- Certification is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance
- Renewal requires completion of 8 hours of continuing education in security, emergency management, or related field
- Minimum of 2 completed assessments per calendar year to maintain active status
- Any criminal charge or license action must be reported to Shepherd's Shield within 30 days
| Candidate Name (Print): | Signature & Date: |
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| Lead Instructor Name (Print): | Signature & Date: |
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| Certification Issue Date: | Expiration Date: |
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🛡️ Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation
"Protecting the Flock. Preserving Life. Glorifying God."
This document is for INSTRUCTOR USE ONLY. Do not distribute to assessment clients. Store securely.