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Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation

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Shepherd's Shield
Safety Foundation

Houses of Worship
Security Assessment

Protecting the Flock. Preserving Life. Glorifying God.

A comprehensive threat and vulnerability assessment tool designed exclusively for faith-based communities — built on a foundation of de-escalation, preparedness, and the preservation of life.

For Official Use Only When Completed
Version 4.0  |  Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation  |  2026  |  AUTO-CALCULATING
Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation — Confidential Assessment Document
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How to Use This Assessment
This assessment uses an objective numerical scoring system. Click YES, PARTIAL, NO, or N/A for each item — scores calculate automatically. Each pillar score and the overall facility score update in real time as you complete the assessment.
Answer Each Item
2
Points
YES
Fully in place
1
Points
PARTIAL
Partially in place
0
Points
NO
Not in place
Points
N/A
Excluded from score
Pass / Fail Scale
Score RangeResultWhat It Means
85 – 100EXEMPLARYComprehensive security posture. Maintain and re-assess annually.
70 – 84PASSMeets standard. Minor gaps exist. Address within 90 days.
55 – 69CONDITIONAL PASSNotable gaps. 90-day action plan required. Re-assessment recommended.
40 – 54FAILSignificant vulnerabilities. Immediate corrective action required.
0 – 39CRITICAL FAILSevere gaps. Urgent intervention required before next service.
⚠️ Any individual pillar scoring below 5.0 is automatically flagged as a priority regardless of the overall score.
Assessment Pillars
📋Security &
Emergency Mgmt
🔒Perimeter
Security
🚗Parking &
Barriers
🚪Access
Control
📷Video
Surveillance
📣Communications
& Duress
🗂️Emergency
Plans
👥Security
Team
🏥Medical
Readiness
🏛️Interior
Facility
Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation — Confidential Assessment Document
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Venue & Assessment Information
Facility Information
House of Worship Name: 
Address / City / State / ZIP: 
Primary Phone: 
Denomination / Affiliation: 
Facility Type: 
Average Weekly Attendance: 
Includes School / Childcare? 
On-Site LEO or Security? 
Date of Assessment: 
Assessment Team
NameTitle / AgencyPhoneDate
    
    
    
Pre-Assessment Notes
 
Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation — Confidential Assessment Document
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Policy & Documentation Review
Review each policy listed below with church leadership. For each policy, mark whether it is Written & Current (formally documented and updated within 2 years), Written & Outdated (exists but not recently reviewed), Verbal Only (understood but not formally documented), or None (does not exist). Record who is responsible and the last review date where known.
Policy Status Key
W✓ Written & Current WO Written & Outdated V Verbal Only N None
Policy / Document Written
& Current
Written
& Outdated
Verbal
Only
None Last Reviewed Responsible Party
Security & Emergency Management Plan
Overall written security plan coordinated with LEO/Fire/EMS
   
Lockdown / Active Threat Response Policy
Written protocol for active shooter or violent intruder event
   
Child Protection / Safe Church Policy
Safeguarding minors, two-adult rule, reporting obligations
   
Volunteer & Staff Background Check Policy
Who requires checks, frequency, disqualifying criteria
   
Access Control & Key Management Policy
Key issuance, inventory, access badge control, termination procedures
   
Visitor Management Policy
Sign-in procedures, visitor badges, restricted area access
   
Cash & Offering Handling Policy
Counting procedures, two-person rule, deposit controls, security during transport
   
Weapons & Firearms Policy
Permitted carry, concealed carry rules, security team authorization, storage
   
Incident Reporting & Documentation Policy
What to report, how to document, chain of notification, recordkeeping
   
Crisis Communications Policy
Who speaks to media, congregation notification procedures, social media rules during incidents
   
Video Surveillance (VSS) & Privacy Policy
Camera placement rules, footage retention, access controls, privacy compliance
   
Medical Emergency Response Policy
First aid response chain, AED use authorization, EMS notification protocol
   
Threat & Suspicious Behavior Reporting Policy
"See Something Say Something" procedures, threat escalation chain
   
Social Media & Photography Policy
Photographing minors, posting facility images, live-streaming security considerations
   
📋 Policy Summary
Written & Current: 0    Written & Outdated: 0    Verbal Only: 0    None: 0
Select policy statuses above to generate summary
Policy Gaps & Priority Recommendations
Policies Requiring Immediate DevelopmentRecommended Timeline & Owner
  
  
  
Additional Policy Notes
 
Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation — Confidential Assessment Document
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Pillar 1 — Security Management & Planning
Assessment ItemYES
2 pts
PARTIAL
1 pt
NO
0 pts
N/APTS
Is there a designated security manager or committee?
Does the security team meet on a regular, scheduled basis?
Is security planning coordinated with other ministry groups and events?
Does the facility have a written security plan?
Is the security plan reviewed and updated at least annually?
Is the security plan coordinated with local LEO / Fire / EMS?
Has the congregation been briefed on emergency procedures?
Is “See Something, Say Something” culture actively promoted?
Notes & Observations:
 
📋 Pillar 1 Score — Security Management
Earned:  ÷  Possible:  ×  10  =
/ 10
Select answers to calculate
📋 Findings & Recommendations — Pillar 1: Security Management & Planning
# Finding / Gap Identified Priority Recommended Corrective Action Responsible Party Target Date
1        
2        
3        
4        
5        
Pillar 2 — Perimeter Security & Grounds
Assessment ItemYES
2 pts
PARTIAL
1 pt
NO
0 pts
N/APTS
FENCING & PERIMETER
Are grounds fenced or clearly delineated?
Are perimeter gates secured during services and after hours?
Are children’s areas separately fenced?
Are vehicle barriers in place to prevent VAAW near pedestrian areas?
Have high-speed avenues of approach (HSAA) been assessed?
Have IED concealment locations (dumpsters, vehicles, planters) been assessed?
VEGETATION (CPTED)
Are shrubs trimmed to maximum 3 feet (CPTED 2’ rule)?
Are trees trimmed to minimum 8 feet to lowest branch (CPTED 6’ rule)?
Are grounds free of trash, debris, and concealment hazards?
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Are exterior lights adequate throughout the property?
Are all building entrances and potential intrusion points illuminated?
Does lighting support VSS camera coverage (no blind/dark spots)?
Are lights checked monthly and repaired promptly?
Notes & Observations:
 
🔒 Pillar 2 Score — Perimeter Security
Earned:  ÷  Possible:  ×  10  =
/ 10
Select answers to calculate
📋 Findings & Recommendations — Pillar 2: Perimeter Security & Grounds
# Finding / Gap Identified Priority Recommended Corrective Action Responsible Party Target Date
1        
2        
3        
4        
5        
Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation — Confidential Assessment Document
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Pillar 3 — Parking & Traffic Safety
Assessment ItemYES
2 pts
PARTIAL
1 pt
NO
0 pts
N/APTS
Are driving lanes clearly marked with directional signage?
Are fire lanes clearly marked and free of obstruction?
Are vehicle barriers in place near pedestrian gathering points?
Are speed bumps or traffic-calming devices in use?
Is visitor parking near the main entrance and clearly signed?
Is a designated drop-off area established separate from parking?
Are parking lots clearly observable from the building?
Are parking lots monitored by VSS or staff during services?
Are all areas accessible to emergency / patrol vehicles?
Notes & Observations:
 
🚗 Pillar 3 Score — Parking & Traffic
Earned:  ÷  Possible:  ×  10  =
/ 10
Select answers to calculate
📋 Findings & Recommendations — Pillar 3: Parking & Traffic Safety
# Finding / Gap Identified Priority Recommended Corrective Action Responsible Party Target Date
1        
2        
3        
4        
5        
Pillar 4 — Access Control & Entry Points
Assessment ItemYES
2 pts
PARTIAL
1 pt
NO
0 pts
N/APTS
ENTRY CONTROL
Is there a single designated public entry point during services?
Are all other exterior doors locked during services?
Is a visitor management / sign-in system in use?
Are visitor badges required and displayed while on premises?
Is a security vestibule or controlled entry foyer in use?
DOORS
Are all exterior doors numbered for first responder aid?
Are exterior doors solid-core construction with proper hardware?
Do all exterior doors self-close and lock properly?
Do interior doors lock from inside (lockdown capable)?
Are supplemental locking devices available for lockdown?
KEY CONTROL
Does the facility have a formal key / access badge control policy?
Is an annual key inventory conducted and keys signed for?
Is a Knox Box or first responder key access system in place?
Notes & Observations:
 
🚪 Pillar 4 Score — Access Control
Earned:  ÷  Possible:  ×  10  =
/ 10
Select answers to calculate
📋 Findings & Recommendations — Pillar 4: Access Control & Entry Points
# Finding / Gap Identified Priority Recommended Corrective Action Responsible Party Target Date
1        
2        
3        
4        
5        
Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation — Confidential Assessment Document
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Pillar 5 — Video Surveillance Systems (VSS)
Assessment ItemYES
2 pts
PARTIAL
1 pt
NO
0 pts
N/APTS
Are exterior cameras present covering all entry/exit points?
Are interior cameras present in common areas and hallways?
Are cameras positioned for optimal coverage with no critical blind spots?
Are cameras monitored continuously or during services?
Are cameras recording and footage stored securely?
Are recording devices password protected in a secured location?
Are cameras in tamper-resistant housings and out of reach?
Is someone assigned responsibility for VSS maintenance and footage review?
Does security team / LEO have access to live VSS feed?
Are VSS notification signs posted (recording in use)?
Notes & Observations:
 
📷 Pillar 5 Score — Video Surveillance
Earned:  ÷  Possible:  ×  10  =
/ 10
Select answers to calculate
📋 Findings & Recommendations — Pillar 5: Video Surveillance Systems (VSS)
# Finding / Gap Identified Priority Recommended Corrective Action Responsible Party Target Date
1        
2        
3        
4        
5        
Pillar 6 — Communications & Duress Systems
Assessment ItemYES
2 pts
PARTIAL
1 pt
NO
0 pts
N/APTS
Are two-way radios available and assigned to the security team?
Is a PA / public address system in place and operational?
Does the PA system reach all areas (classrooms, nursery, hallways)?
Is a mass notification / congregant text alert system in place?
Are communication systems tested regularly?
Are duress / panic buttons available to security staff and key personnel?
Are panic buttons tested regularly and staff trained to activate them?
Are audible / visual alarms in place to identify event locations?
Are all exit signs and emergency lights functioning?
Notes & Observations:
 
📣 Pillar 6 Score — Communications & Duress
Earned:  ÷  Possible:  ×  10  =
/ 10
Select answers to calculate
📋 Findings & Recommendations — Pillar 6: Communications & Duress Systems
# Finding / Gap Identified Priority Recommended Corrective Action Responsible Party Target Date
1        
2        
3        
4        
5        
Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation — Confidential Assessment Document
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Pillar 7 — Emergency Action Plans & Drills
Assessment ItemYES
2 pts
PARTIAL
1 pt
NO
0 pts
N/APTS
PLANS IN PLACE
Does the facility have a written Active Threat / Lockdown plan?
Does the facility have a written Shelter-in-Place plan?
Does the facility have a written Fire Evacuation plan?
Are evacuation maps posted with primary and secondary routes?
Are plans coordinated with local LEO / Fire / EMS?
TRAINING & DRILLS
Have plans been exercised with staff and security team?
Have plans been practiced with the congregation?
Have staff been trained on Run-Hide-Fight / Avoid-Deny-Defend?
SAFE HAVENS & RALLY POINTS
Have Safe Haven rooms been designated and communicated to staff?
Have hard corners been identified in the sanctuary and classrooms?
Has an exterior evacuation rally point been established?
Notes & Observations:
 
🗂️ Pillar 7 Score — Emergency Plans & Drills
Earned:  ÷  Possible:  ×  10  =
/ 10
Select answers to calculate
📋 Findings & Recommendations — Pillar 7: Emergency Action Plans & Drills
# Finding / Gap Identified Priority Recommended Corrective Action Responsible Party Target Date
1        
2        
3        
4        
5        
Pillar 8 — Security Team Readiness
Assessment ItemYES
2 pts
PARTIAL
1 pt
NO
0 pts
N/APTS
Has a security team been formally selected and vetted?
Have all team members undergone background checks?
Are team members clearly identifiable during services?
Are posting positions defined for each service?
Are team members trained in de-escalation techniques?
Are armed members properly licensed per state law?
Have armed members completed scenario-based / force-on-force training?
Does the team conduct pre-service briefings?
Is a clear chain of command / incident command structure established?
Team Size: ___ Armed: ___ Unarmed: ___ Last Training: ___
Notes & Observations:
 
👥 Pillar 8 Score — Security Team
Earned:  ÷  Possible:  ×  10  =
/ 10
Select answers to calculate
📋 Findings & Recommendations — Pillar 8: Security Team Readiness
# Finding / Gap Identified Priority Recommended Corrective Action Responsible Party Target Date
1        
2        
3        
4        
5        
Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation — Confidential Assessment Document
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Pillar 9 — Medical & First Aid Readiness
Assessment ItemYES
2 pts
PARTIAL
1 pt
NO
0 pts
N/APTS
Does the facility have a stocked first aid kit accessible to staff?
Is a hemorrhage control kit (tourniquets, pressure bandages) available?
Is an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) on premises?
Are medical supplies out of packaging and ready for immediate use?
Are medical supply locations known to all security team members?
Have staff received CPR, AED, and Stop-the-Bleed training?
Are supplies inspected regularly and expiration dates monitored?
Notes & Observations:
 
🏥 Pillar 9 Score — Medical Readiness
Earned:  ÷  Possible:  ×  10  =
/ 10
Select answers to calculate
📋 Findings & Recommendations — Pillar 9: Medical & First Aid Readiness
# Finding / Gap Identified Priority Recommended Corrective Action Responsible Party Target Date
1        
2        
3        
4        
5        
Pillar 10 — Interior Facility & Children's Wing
Assessment ItemYES
2 pts
PARTIAL
1 pt
NO
0 pts
N/APTS
SANCTUARY / WORSHIP HALL
Are clear sight lines maintained throughout the worship hall?
Can the sanctuary be locked from inside during a lockdown?
Are security team members at key observation points during services?
CHILDREN'S WING / NURSERY
Is children’s wing access controlled and monitored?
Is a child check-in / check-out system in place?
Are all children’s wing volunteers background-checked?
Do children’s rooms have two-way communication with security?
Is the children’s area covered by VSS?
OFFICES & MECHANICAL
Are offices with sensitive records locked when not in use?
Is there a cash / offering handling policy with security controls?
Are all custodial, mechanical, and utility areas kept locked?
Are electrical panels locked, labeled, and accessible?
Notes & Observations:
 
🏛️ Pillar 10 Score — Interior Facility
Earned:  ÷  Possible:  ×  10  =
/ 10
Select answers to calculate
📋 Findings & Recommendations — Pillar 10: Interior Facility & Children's Wing
# Finding / Gap Identified Priority Recommended Corrective Action Responsible Party Target Date
1        
2        
3        
4        
5        
Overall Score Summary
All pillar scores below are populated automatically as you complete each section. The overall facility score and official result update in real time.
Overall Facility Score (Auto-Calculated)
/ 100
Complete assessment above
# Pillar Score (/10) Result
1📋 Security Management & Planning
2🔒 Perimeter Security & Grounds
3🚗 Parking & Traffic Safety
4🚪 Access Control & Entry Points
5📷 Video Surveillance Systems
6📣 Communications & Duress Systems
7🗂️ Emergency Action Plans & Drills
8👥 Security Team Readiness
9🏥 Medical & First Aid Readiness
10🏛️ Interior Facility & Children's Wing
OVERALL SCORE (auto-calculated) Out of 100
Priority Flags (pillars below 5.0):
Complete the assessment above — deficient pillars will appear here automatically.
Assessor Notes & Observations by Pillar
Pillar Notes & Observations
Pillar 1 — Security Management & Planning
No notes entered.
Pillar 2 — Perimeter Security & Grounds
No notes entered.
Pillar 3 — Parking & Traffic Safety
No notes entered.
Pillar 4 — Access Control & Entry Points
No notes entered.
Pillar 5 — Video Surveillance Systems
No notes entered.
Pillar 6 — Communications & Duress Systems
No notes entered.
Pillar 7 — Emergency Action Plans & Drills
No notes entered.
Pillar 8 — Security Team Readiness
No notes entered.
Pillar 9 — Medical & First Aid Readiness
No notes entered.
Pillar 10 — Interior Facility & Children’s Wing
No notes entered.
Assessment Sign-Off
Lead Assessor Name & Signature: 
 
Church / Facility Representative: 
 
Date of Assessment: 
Re-Assessment Date Recommended: 
🛡️ Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation
"Protecting the Flock. Preserving Life. Glorifying God."
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY WHEN COMPLETED. Store securely. Do not distribute without authorization.