Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation

Church Security Officer Training Standard

VERSION 1.0 — 2026

The official training standard governing the certification of Unarmed and Armed Church Security Officers, the qualification of Certified Church Security Instructors, and the accreditation of third-party training programs under the authority of the Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation.

DRAFT — PENDING BOARD ADOPTION

Effective Date: _________________ | Adopted by Board: _________________

"Protecting the Flock. Preserving Life. Glorifying God."

Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation

Church Security Officer Training Standard — Version 1.0

DRAFT — Pending Board Adoption | Confidential — Do Not Distribute Without Authorization

Document Type

Official Training Standard

Version

1.0 — Initial Release

Issuing Authority

SSSF Board of Directors

Review Cycle

Every 2 Years

📋 Table of Contents

Part I — Foundation

Section 1 — Purpose, Scope & Authority

Section 2 — Governing Principles

Section 3 — Definitions

Part II — Certification Programs

Section 4 — CUCSO: Certified Unarmed Church Security Officer (8 Hours)

Section 5 — CACSO: Certified Armed Church Security Officer (24 Hours Total)

Section 6 — CCSI: Certified Church Security Instructor

Part III — Standards & Requirements

Section 7 — Student Eligibility & Prerequisites

Section 8 — Assessment, Testing & Passing Requirements

Section 9 — Certification Issuance & Renewal

Part IV — Accreditation

Section 10 — Third-Party Program Accreditation Framework

Section 11 — Accreditation Application & Review Process

Section 12 — Accreditation Maintenance & Revocation

Part V — Governance

Section 13 — Curriculum Review Committee

Section 14 — Standard Amendment Process

Section 15 — Board Adoption & Signatures

📖 Part I — Foundation

Section 1 — Purpose, Scope & Authority

1.1 Purpose

This document establishes the official training standard of the Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation (SSSF) for the certification of church security officers and the accreditation of church security officer training programs. It defines the minimum content, contact hours, instructor qualifications, assessment criteria, and renewal requirements that any program must meet to bear the SSSF certification or accreditation designation.

This standard is designed to protect houses of worship, their congregants, staff, and visitors by ensuring that individuals performing security functions in faith-based environments receive training that is consistent, evidence-based, legally informed, and guided by the principle that preservation of life and de-escalation are always the first priority.

1.2 Scope

This standard applies to:

All training programs developed and delivered by Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation
All third-party organizations applying for SSSF program accreditation
All individuals seeking SSSF certification as a Certified Unarmed Church Security Officer (CUCSO), Certified Armed Church Security Officer (CACSO), or Certified Church Security Instructor (CCSI)
All instructors teaching SSSF-certified or SSSF-accredited curricula

ℹ️ Jurisdiction Note: This standard is intentionally jurisdiction-neutral. It does not replace or supersede applicable state or local laws governing security officer licensing, firearms carry, or use of force. Programs operating in specific states must supplement this standard with applicable state law content and comply with all local licensing requirements.

1.3 Authority

This standard is issued under the authority of the Board of Directors of Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation, a Florida nonprofit corporation organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The SSSF Curriculum Review Committee, composed of credentialed board members, is responsible for administering, interpreting, and enforcing this standard.

Amendments to this standard require a majority vote of the full Board of Directors.

Section 2 — Governing Principles

2.1 The Five Governing Principles of SSSF Training

All training conducted under this standard, whether delivered by SSSF directly or by an accredited third-party program, must reflect and reinforce the following governing principles:

Principle 1 — De-Escalation First (Foundational)
Every trained church security officer must understand that de-escalation is always the preferred and primary response. Physical force, including the display or use of any weapon, is a last resort applied only when all reasonable de-escalation options have been exhausted or are clearly not viable. This principle must be explicitly taught, tested, and reinforced in all modules.

Principle 2 — Preservation of Life Above All
The ultimate goal of all church security activity is the preservation of human life — including the life of any aggressor. Training must cultivate a mindset of protection, not aggression. Security officers are peacekeepers, not warriors.

Principle 3 — Sound Judgment Under Pressure
Effective church security requires clear thinking, sound decision-making, and emotional self-regulation under stress. Training must include scenario-based exercises that develop these capacities, not merely technical skills.

Principle 4 — Compassion & Community Integration
Church security officers serve a unique environment where the individuals they protect — and the individuals they may confront — are often members of the same community. Training must address mental health awareness, trauma-informed response, and compassionate engagement.

Principle 5 — Legal Accountability
Church security officers operate within a legal framework and carry personal and organizational liability for their actions. Training must ensure every officer understands the boundaries of lawful action, documentation requirements, and post-incident obligations.

Section 3 — Definitions

3.1 Key Terms

Term	Definition
SSSF	Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation — the issuing authority of this standard
CUCSO	Certified Unarmed Church Security Officer — SSSF's unarmed security certification designation
CACSO	Certified Armed Church Security Officer — SSSF's armed security certification designation
CCSI	Certified Church Security Instructor — SSSF's instructor-level certification designation
Contact Hours	Actual instructional time, not including breaks; one contact hour equals 60 minutes of instruction
House of Worship (HOW)	Any faith-based gathering place including churches, synagogues, temples, and similar faith community facilities
Accredited Program	A third-party training program reviewed and formally approved by the SSSF Curriculum Review Committee as meeting this standard
Curriculum Review Committee	The SSSF board subcommittee responsible for reviewing, approving, and auditing training programs under this standard
Learning Objective	A measurable statement of what a student must be able to demonstrate upon completion of a module
De-Escalation	The use of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques to reduce the intensity of a conflict or potentially threatening situation without resort to physical force

🎓 Part II — Certification Programs

Section 4 — CUCSO: Certified Unarmed Church Security Officer 8 CONTACT HOURS MINIMUM

4.1 Program Overview

The CUCSO curriculum is the foundational certification for all church security personnel. It may be delivered in-person as a single full day or across multiple sessions totaling a minimum of 8 contact hours. Online delivery is permitted for didactic (knowledge) modules only; scenario-based exercises must be conducted in person.

⚠️ Minimum Requirement: No program may claim SSSF CUCSO accreditation unless it delivers a minimum of 8 contact hours covering all required modules below. Additional hours are encouraged but may not replace required content.

4.2 CUCSO Required Modules & Learning Objectives

The following eight modules are required. Hours listed are minimums per module.

Module 1

1.0 Hour

Foundation, Philosophy & Role of the Church Security Officer REQUIRED

Learning Objectives — Upon completion, the student will be able to:

Define the role, authority, and legal boundaries of a church security officer vs. a law enforcement officer
Articulate the de-escalation first principle and explain why it is the governing standard for all church security response
Describe the protector mindset — distinguishing a peacekeeper from an aggressor
Identify the spiritual and ethical foundations of church security service
Explain general concepts of personal and organizational liability for security actions

Required Content:

Church security officer vs. law enforcement: authority, jurisdiction, and limitations
De-escalation as the primary and preferred response in all situations
The five SSSF governing principles
Faith-based context: serving with compassion, humility, and sound judgment
Overview of personal liability, organizational liability, and indemnification
Overview of the role of church leadership in the security function

Module 2

1.0 Hour

Threat Recognition & Situational Awareness REQUIRED

Learning Objectives:

Define baseline behavior and explain how to identify deviations indicating potential concern
Recognize pre-attack indicators and behavioral threat signals in a worship setting
Distinguish between a person who poses a threat and a person experiencing a crisis or mental health episode
Apply the OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) as a decision-making framework
Identify considerations for protecting vulnerable populations including children, elderly, and individuals with disabilities

Required Content:

Establishing behavioral baselines in a worship environment
Pre-attack indicators: unusual clothing, surveillance behavior, emotional agitation, fixation
The OODA Loop and its application to security decision-making
Mental health awareness: psychosis, substance influence, emotional crisis — response differences
Protecting children, elderly, and persons with disabilities during an incident
Reporting suspicious activity to leadership and law enforcement

Module 3

1.5 Hours

De-Escalation Techniques & Conflict Resolution REQUIRED

Learning Objectives:

Demonstrate effective verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques in simulated scenarios
Identify the four stages of conflict escalation and intervene at the earliest stage
Apply active listening, empathetic communication, and tone management in a tense situation
Determine when de-escalation is no longer viable and a transition to defensive action is warranted

Required Content:

Verbal communication: tone, pace, word choice, and commands
Non-verbal communication: body posture, eye contact, distance, hands
Active listening and empathy as tools for reducing tension
The four conflict escalation stages and early intervention strategies
De-escalation in specific contexts: disruptive congregant, domestic dispute, intoxicated individual, unwanted visitor
When de-escalation is not appropriate: imminent physical threat, active violence
Minimum two (2) role-play scenario exercises required

Module 4

45 Min

Access Control & Crowd Management REQUIRED

Learning Objectives:

Apply access control procedures at entry points that balance security with a welcoming worship environment
Describe procedures for managing uninvited, disruptive, or banned individuals
Explain crowd management considerations for high-attendance events and holiday services
Identify specific security protocols for children's ministry access control

Required Content:

The greeter-guardian balance: maintaining a welcoming environment while controlling access
Entry point management, screening considerations, and prohibited items
Handling uninvited individuals, trespass procedures, and banned person policies
High-attendance event planning: holidays, special services, community events
Parking lot security: observation, lighting, traffic flow, lone individual response
Children's ministry access control: check-in systems, authorized pick-up verification, lockdown procedures

Module 5

1.0 Hour

Emergency Response Procedures REQUIRED

Learning Objectives:

Execute the Run-Hide-Fight framework appropriately within a worship environment
Describe the roles and responsibilities of security personnel during lockdown, fire evacuation, and medical emergency
Demonstrate effective coordination with first responders upon their arrival
Identify location-specific evacuation routes, rally points, and lockdown positions

Required Content:

Active threat / active shooter response: Run, Hide, Fight (CISA framework) adapted for worship settings
Lockdown initiation, communication, and all-clear procedures
Fire and building evacuation: routes, assembly points, accounting for all persons
Medical emergencies: recognition, calling 911, basic first aid awareness, AED location
Natural disasters and severe weather shelter-in-place procedures
First responder coordination: who calls 911, scene handoff, where to stand, hands visibility

Module 6

45 Min

Team Operations & Communication REQUIRED

Learning Objectives:

Demonstrate proper radio communication protocols and phonetic alphabet use
Describe team positioning during worship services and special events
Execute a pre-service security briefing and post-incident debrief
Communicate effectively with pastoral leadership during an active incident without creating panic

Required Content:

Radio communication basics: channel discipline, clear language, phonetic alphabet, brevity codes
Team positioning: coverage zones, sight lines, blind spots, rotation during services
Non-verbal hand signals and visual communication between team members
Chain of command: who calls 911, who commands the scene, who communicates with pastoral leadership
Pre-service briefings: threat assessment review, assignments, communications check
Post-incident debrief: factual review, documentation, after-action report

Module 7

45 Min

Documentation, Reporting & Legal Obligations REQUIRED

Learning Objectives:

Complete an accurate, objective incident report using the who-what-where-when-how framework
Identify what must and must not be included in a written incident report
Explain evidence preservation obligations and basic crime scene awareness
Describe confidentiality requirements for incident information

Required Content:

Why documentation matters: legal protection, organizational improvement, law enforcement support
Incident report writing: objective vs. subjective language, factual description, timeline
What NOT to include: opinions, conclusions, speculative language, legal determinations
Evidence preservation: do not disturb, photograph if possible, document witnesses
Chain of custody basics: handling physical evidence without contamination
Confidentiality: who receives reports, record retention, privacy of individuals involved

Module 8

1.25 Hours

Scenario-Based Exercises & Competency Assessment REQUIRED

Learning Objectives:

Apply all curriculum concepts in a minimum of three (3) realistic tabletop or role-play scenarios
Demonstrate de-escalation decision-making under simulated stress conditions
Pass the written competency assessment at the required minimum score

Required Content:

Minimum three (3) scenario exercises covering at minimum: (a) disruptive individual/de-escalation, (b) active threat response, (c) medical emergency or access control situation
Instructor-led scenario debrief after each exercise
Written knowledge assessment (see Section 8 for requirements)
Certification criteria review and Q&A

📋 Hour Summary — CUCSO: Module 1 (1.0) + Module 2 (1.0) + Module 3 (1.5) + Module 4 (0.75) + Module 5 (1.0) + Module 6 (0.75) + Module 7 (0.75) + Module 8 (1.25) = 8.0 Contact Hours Minimum

Section 5 — CACSO: Certified Armed Church Security Officer 16 ADD'L HOURS | 24 HRS TOTAL

5.1 Program Overview & Prerequisites

The CACSO curriculum builds upon the CUCSO foundation and authorizes the holder to perform armed security functions in a house of worship setting. Completion of the full 8-hour CUCSO curriculum is a prerequisite for CACSO certification unless the student enrolls in the combined 24-hour standalone track.

🚫 Non-Negotiable Prerequisites for CACSO:

Valid CUCSO certification (or concurrent enrollment in 24-hour combined track)
Proof of legal eligibility to possess a firearm (no disqualifying criminal history)
State-required firearms license or carry permit where applicable
Successful completion of all classroom modules before range qualification

Armed components of this curriculum must be delivered in person. No portion of the live-fire range qualification (Module 15) may be delivered online or through simulation alone.

Module 9

2.0 Hours

Legal Framework for Use of Force & Deadly Force REQUIRED

Learning Objectives:

Apply the use of force continuum to church security scenarios from verbal direction through deadly force
Identify the general legal standards that must be met to justify use of deadly force
Distinguish between criminal liability and civil liability following a use of force incident
Describe the concept of disparity of force and its relevance in a worship environment
Explain post-incident obligations: scene security, communication with law enforcement, legal counsel

Required Content:

Use of force continuum: presence, verbal, soft control, hard control, less-lethal, deadly force
Justification standards for deadly force: imminent threat, ability, opportunity, jeopardy (general legal concepts)
Disparity of force: size, age, number of attackers, weapons
Duty to retreat vs. no duty to retreat (conceptual overview — jurisdiction-specific law to be added locally)
Criminal vs. civil liability: what each means for a church security officer
Organizational liability and the importance of employer/church indemnification policy
Post-incident: scene security, statements to law enforcement, invoking right to counsel

⚠️ Instructor Note: This module must be supplemented with applicable state-specific use of force law for the jurisdiction in which the program is taught. SSSF provides a jurisdiction-neutral framework; local legal counsel review is strongly recommended.

Module 10

1.5 Hours

Firearms Safety, Handling & Carry in a Worship Environment REQUIRED

Learning Objectives:

Demonstrate the four universal firearms safety rules without prompting
Perform safe loading, unloading, holstering, and drawing of a handgun
Select appropriate ammunition for a high-occupancy worship environment
Describe safe storage and transport requirements for a concealed carry firearm

Required Content:

The four universal safety rules: treat, never, keep, keep (all firearms are always loaded; never point at anything you are not willing to destroy; finger off trigger until on target; know your target and beyond)
Types of handguns: revolvers vs. semi-automatics, action types, safety features
Safe loading, unloading, inspection, and administrative handling procedures
Ammunition selection for crowded environments: over-penetration risk, hollow point considerations
Holster selection: retention level, concealment options, draw consistency
Concealed vs. open carry considerations in a church environment
Safe storage at home and during transport
Malfunction types and administrative clearance (Tap-Rack-Assess; Lock-Rack-Inspect-Load)

Module 11

1.0 Hour

Marksmanship Fundamentals & Stress Inoculation REQUIRED

Learning Objectives:

Demonstrate proper stance, grip, sight alignment, sight picture, and trigger control in dry-fire practice
Describe the physiological effects of the stress response on fine motor skills, vision, and cognition
Apply breathing and focus techniques to manage performance degradation under stress

Required Content:

Fundamentals of marksmanship: stance, grip, sight alignment, sight picture, trigger control, follow-through
Dominant eye and hand considerations
The fight-or-flight response: tunnel vision, auditory exclusion, loss of fine motor control, time distortion
Stress inoculation techniques: breathing control, focal point discipline, verbal self-commands
Why training under stress matters: performance gap between range and real incident

Module 12

2.0 Hours

Tactical Considerations in a Worship Environment REQUIRED

Learning Objectives:

Explain the responsibility for every round fired and the legal and moral weight of that responsibility
Identify cover and concealment positions within a typical church building
Apply position and angle discipline to avoid shooting through crowds toward a threat
Describe friendly fire risks including other armed team members and arriving law enforcement

Required Content:

You are responsible for every round that leaves your firearm: legal, moral, and financial consequences
Target identification in a crowd: confirming the threat before drawing
What is beyond your target: backstop awareness in a sanctuary, hallway, nursery, fellowship hall
Cover vs. concealment: definitions, examples in a church building, movement between positions
Engaging from cover: angles, exposure, stability
Friendly fire awareness: other armed team members (identification protocols), law enforcement arrival (holster immediately, hands visible, identify yourself verbally)
Tactical movement in tight spaces: hallways, stairwells, restrooms, nursery areas

Module 13

1.5 Hours

Weapon Retention & Close-Quarters Defense REQUIRED

Learning Objectives:

Demonstrate basic weapon retention techniques against a grab attempt
Identify the conditions under which drawing a firearm in close quarters increases risk
Describe holster selection criteria for retention security in a church environment

Required Content:

Holster retention levels: Level I, II, III — selecting appropriate level for church carry
The danger of close-quarters gun grabs: training response vs. panic response
Basic weapon retention technique: body rotation, retention grip, creating distance
When NOT to draw: distances at which drawing is slower than an alternative response
Close-quarters considerations in tight spaces: nurseries, bathroom hallways, greeter stations

Module 14

2.0 Hours

Force Decision Scenarios — Shoot / No-Shoot REQUIRED

Learning Objectives:

Make accurate shoot/no-shoot decisions in a minimum of five (5) church-specific scenarios
Articulate the legal and factual basis for each force decision in scenario debrief
Recognize and correct common decision errors including premature drawing, over-reaction, and target misidentification

Required Scenarios (minimum five, including):

Armed individual entering sanctuary during service — congregant or threat?
Parking lot robbery/carjacking — imminent threat or departing threat?
Domestic violence confrontation inside the building
Mentally ill individual with an edged weapon — distance and options
Active shooter with innocents between officer and threat

Each scenario must include instructor debrief addressing the legal justification analysis, alternative responses considered, and lessons learned.

Module 15

4.0 Hours

Live-Fire Range Qualification REQUIRED — IN PERSON ONLY

Learning Objectives:

Complete the SSSF qualification course of fire at or above the minimum passing score
Demonstrate safe firearms handling throughout all range exercises without safety violations
Perform administrative and emergency malfunction clearance under timed conditions

Required Range Elements:

Range safety briefing and range rules review (mandatory before any live fire)
Warm-up and fundamentals drills: slow fire accuracy at 3, 5, and 7 yards
Timed qualification course of fire: minimum 50 rounds, distances 3–15 yards, scored on silhouette target
Draw from holster drills (if applicable to carry method)
Malfunction clearance drills: Type 1 (failure to fire), Type 2 (failure to eject), Type 3 (double feed)
Reduced-light/low-light shooting element (recommended; required if facility permits)
Minimum passing score: 70% on qualification course
Students who do not pass on first attempt: one re-qualification permitted after additional practice; must re-qualify within 60 days

🚫 Safety Disqualification: Any student who commits an unsafe firearms handling act on the range (muzzle sweep of personnel, finger on trigger outside firing position, loaded firearm outside designated area) must be immediately removed from the range and will not receive certification for the current session. They may re-apply for the next available session.

Module 16

2.0 Hours

Post-Incident Response, Trauma & Final Assessment REQUIRED

Learning Objectives:

Describe the immediate actions required after a use of force incident: scene security, medical, communications
Explain what to say and not say to law enforcement in the immediate aftermath of a shooting
Identify the signs of critical incident stress and resources for psychological support
Pass the final written assessment at the required minimum score

Required Content:

Immediate post-incident actions: stop shooting when threat stops, scan for additional threats, render aid if safe, call 911
When law enforcement arrives: holster, hands visible, do not reach, identify yourself, follow commands
Statements to law enforcement: pointing out evidence and witnesses is appropriate; detailed statements should wait for legal counsel
Notifying the church/organization: who calls whom, what is said
Media contact: say nothing to media; all media contact through designated spokesperson only
Critical Incident Stress: acute stress reaction, PTSD risk, peer support, counseling resources
Final written examination (see Section 8)

📋 Hour Summary — CACSO Additional Modules: Mod 9 (2.0) + Mod 10 (1.5) + Mod 11 (1.0) + Mod 12 (2.0) + Mod 13 (1.5) + Mod 14 (2.0) + Mod 15 (4.0) + Mod 16 (2.0) = 16.0 Additional Hours | 24.0 Hours Combined Total

Section 6 — CCSI: Certified Church Security Instructor

6.1 Purpose & Overview

The CCSI designation certifies that an individual meets the minimum qualifications to teach SSSF-certified or SSSF-accredited church security curricula. No individual may teach a program under the SSSF name or accreditation without holding a current CCSI certification or receiving a written exception from the SSSF Curriculum Review Committee.

6.2 CCSI Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must meet at least one of the following experience pathways AND all mandatory requirements:

Pathway	Requirements
Pathway A — Law Enforcement / Military	Minimum 5 years sworn law enforcement, military law enforcement, or military service; honorable separation or in good standing; verifiable by documentation
Pathway B — Security Professional	Minimum 7 years professional security experience including supervisory or training responsibilities; verifiable by employment records
Pathway C — SSSF Graduate Track	Completion of both CUCSO and CACSO certifications; completion of SSSF Instructor Development Course (when available); demonstrated teaching competency evaluation

Mandatory Requirements (all pathways):

Current CUCSO certification (armed instructors must also hold CACSO)
Successful background check (no disqualifying criminal history)
Demonstrated teaching competency: minimum one observed teaching session evaluated by SSSF Curriculum Review Committee member or designee
Signed SSSF Instructor Code of Conduct and Confidentiality Agreement
Annual continuing education: minimum 8 hours per year in relevant subject matter (security, law enforcement, firearms, emergency response, or church safety)

6.3 CCSI Renewal

CCSI certification is valid for two (2) years
Renewal requires: documentation of 16 hours continuing education during the certification period, active teaching (minimum one course delivered per year), and re-execution of the Instructor Code of Conduct
Failure to renew results in suspension of teaching authority under SSSF programs

📝 Part III — Standards & Requirements

Section 7 — Student Eligibility & Prerequisites

7.1 CUCSO Student Eligibility

Minimum age: 18 years
Affiliated with a house of worship, faith-based organization, or security organization serving faith communities (preferred, not required)
No disqualifying criminal history (programs should conduct or require a background check)
No specific prior security or law enforcement experience required

7.2 CACSO Additional Prerequisites

Current CUCSO certification (or concurrent combined track enrollment)
Minimum age: 21 years (or applicable state minimum for carry permit)
Legal eligibility to possess a firearm under federal and applicable state law
Valid state carry permit or license where required by applicable law
Physician clearance recommended for individuals with conditions that may affect physical performance or judgment

Section 8 — Assessment, Testing & Passing Requirements

8.1 Written Assessment Standards

Certification	Exam Format	Min. Questions	Passing Score	Retake Policy
CUCSO	Written, multiple choice and short answer	40 questions	75% (30/40)	One retake permitted after 24-hour review period; instructor review of missed content required before retake
CACSO	Written, multiple choice and scenario-based	60 questions	75% (45/60)	One retake permitted after 48-hour review period; counseling session with instructor required before retake
CCSI	Written + observed teaching evaluation	50 questions + rubric	80% written; Satisfactory on teaching eval	One retake for written; teaching re-evaluation after additional preparation with mentor

8.2 Practical & Range Assessment Standards

Scenario exercises (CUCSO & CACSO): Evaluated by instructor on a pass/fail basis using the SSSF Scenario Evaluation Rubric. Students who fail a scenario exercise must complete additional guided practice before re-evaluation
Range qualification (CACSO Module 15): Minimum 70% on the course of fire; one re-qualification permitted within 60 days; failure of second attempt requires full re-enrollment in CACSO
Safety disqualifications: Any student removed from training for a safety violation must wait a minimum of 30 days before re-enrolling and must complete a written safety review

Section 9 — Certification Issuance & Renewal

9.1 Certification Issuance

Upon successful completion of all required modules and assessments, the student receives:

A numbered SSSF certificate of completion bearing the student's name, certification type, date of completion, instructor name, and SSSF seal
Entry in the SSSF Certified Personnel Registry (maintained by SSSF for verification purposes)
Wallet-sized certification card (upon request)

9.2 Certification Validity & Renewal Schedule

Certification	Valid Period	Renewal Requirements
CUCSO	3 years	4-hour refresher course covering de-escalation, emergency response updates, and any regulatory changes; or re-take the full 8-hour course
CACSO	2 years	8-hour refresher including live-fire re-qualification (minimum 25 rounds, 70% passing score); legal update module required if applicable laws have changed
CCSI	2 years	16 hours documented continuing education; minimum one course delivered per year; re-execution of Instructor Code of Conduct

⚠️ Expired certifications are not valid. Individuals with lapsed certifications must complete the full renewal process before resuming duties or teaching under the SSSF designation. Grace period: 60 days past expiration date.

🏆 Part IV — Third-Party Program Accreditation

Section 10 — Accreditation Framework

10.1 What Accreditation Means

SSSF program accreditation signifies that a third-party training organization's curriculum has been reviewed by the SSSF Curriculum Review Committee and found to meet or exceed the minimum requirements defined in this standard. Accredited programs may use the designation "SSSF-Accredited Church Security Training Program" and display the SSSF accreditation seal.

Accreditation does not imply that SSSF endorses the third-party organization, its staff, or any other programs it offers beyond those specifically reviewed and approved.

10.2 Accreditation Tiers

Tier	Designation	Requirements
Tier 1	SSSF-Accredited Unarmed Program	Curriculum meets all CUCSO module requirements; minimum 8 contact hours; instructors hold CCSI or equivalent; assessment meets Section 8 standards
Tier 2	SSSF-Accredited Armed Program	Meets Tier 1 requirements plus all CACSO additional module requirements; range facility meets safety standards; live-fire qualification included
Tier 3	SSSF Premier Accredited Program	Meets Tier 2 requirements; uses SSSF-published curriculum materials; all instructors hold CCSI; annual program audit completed; contributes to SSSF standard development

Section 11 — Accreditation Application & Review Process

11.1 Application Requirements

Organizations seeking SSSF accreditation must submit:

Completed SSSF Accreditation Application form
Full written curriculum including all module outlines, learning objectives, and instructional materials
Credentials and background documentation for all instructors who will teach the program
Sample assessment instruments (written exams, scenario rubrics, range qualification standards)
Description of delivery format, facility, and equipment
Non-refundable application fee (see current SSSF fee schedule)
Signed Accreditation Agreement acknowledging SSSF standards, audit rights, and use of designation

11.2 Review Process & Timeline

Application Receipt: SSSF acknowledges receipt within 10 business days
Completeness Review: SSSF confirms all required materials are submitted within 15 business days; incomplete applications are returned
Substantive Review: Minimum two (2) members of the Curriculum Review Committee independently review the curriculum against this standard within 45 days
Decision: One of three outcomes issued in writing:
- Full Accreditation — program meets all requirements; accreditation valid for 2 years
- Conditional Accreditation — program meets most requirements; specific deficiencies identified; organization has 90 days to submit revisions
- Denied — program does not meet minimum standards; written feedback provided; organization may re-apply after 6 months
Appeal: Denied applicants may appeal to the full SSSF Board within 30 days of decision

Section 12 — Accreditation Maintenance & Revocation

12.1 Ongoing Compliance

Accredited programs must notify SSSF of any material changes to curriculum, instructors, or delivery format within 30 days
Annual self-audit report submitted to SSSF by accredited programs
SSSF reserves the right to conduct an unannounced or scheduled program audit at any time
Renewal application required every 2 years with current curriculum documentation and updated instructor credentials

12.2 Revocation of Accreditation

SSSF may revoke accreditation for any of the following:

Material misrepresentation in the application
Delivery of curriculum that substantially departs from the approved program without SSSF notification
Use of instructors who do not meet CCSI qualifications without written exception
Failure to meet safety standards resulting in student injury
Conduct by the organization or its instructors that is inconsistent with SSSF governing principles
Failure to pay renewal fees

Revocation is preceded by a written notice of concern and 30-day cure period except in cases of safety violations or fraud, which may result in immediate suspension.

⚖️ Part V — Governance

Section 13 — Curriculum Review Committee

13.1 Composition & Qualifications

The SSSF Curriculum Review Committee is a standing subcommittee of the Board of Directors responsible for administering this standard, reviewing accreditation applications, and recommending amendments.

Minimum three (3) members, all of whom must be current SSSF board members or appointed subject matter experts
At least two (2) members must hold law enforcement, military law enforcement, or equivalent professional credentials
No member may participate in the review of an application in which they have a financial or personal conflict of interest (per SSSF Conflict of Interest Policy)

Section 14 — Standard Amendment Process

14.1 Amendment Procedures

Any board member or Curriculum Review Committee member may propose an amendment
Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing with a rationale statement
Amendments are reviewed by the Curriculum Review Committee and presented to the full board
Adoption requires a majority vote of the full Board of Directors
Adopted amendments are effective 90 days after adoption to allow accredited programs time to implement required changes
This standard is subject to a full comprehensive review at minimum every two (2) years

Section 15 — Board Adoption & Signatures

15.1 Certification of Adoption

We, the undersigned members of the Board of Directors of Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation, hereby adopt this Church Security Officer Training Standard as the official standard governing certification, accreditation, and instructor qualification under the authority of the Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation, effective the date signed below.

Montague Hall, President | Date: ___________

Bruce Miller, Vice President | Date: ___________

Kevin Bray, Treasurer | Date: ___________

Hunter Clary, Secretary | Date: ___________

Wendell Russell, Board Member | Date: ___________

📎 Document Control: Version 1.0 | Effective Date: _____________ | Next Review: _____________ | Maintained by: SSSF Secretary

Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation
"Protecting the Flock. Preserving Life. Glorifying God."