Every SSSF training program is developed by experienced law enforcement, military, and security professionals specifically for faith-based environments. Our instructors bring decades of real-world operational experience — in law enforcement, federal special operations, military service, and executive protection — to every training engagement. Our curriculum balances tactical competence with a faith-centered philosophy. We are training peacekeepers, not combatants.
The Certified Armed Security Officer (CASO) and Certified Unarmed Security Officer (CUSO) programs are developed by Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation and designed to become the recognized national standard for every security officer serving a house of worship in America. These are not generic security courses adapted for a live congregation setting — they are purpose-built, from the ground up, for the faith-based environment.
Whether you lead a congregation or provide security services to one, CASO and CUSO certification represents a commitment to the highest standard of trained, principled, faith-aligned protection.
When evaluating your security team or hiring a security contractor, ask one question: Are they CASO or CUSO certified? SSSF-certified officers have been trained specifically for your environment — the legal framework, the mission, and the culture of a house of worship. Set the expectation. Require the certification. Your congregation deserves a team trained to this standard.
If you provide security services to houses of worship or faith-based organizations, CASO and CUSO certification distinguishes your team. It tells every client that your officers were not given a generic course — they were trained to a standard specifically designed for the house of worship. In a market that is demanding higher accountability, certified teams win the contract.
Our goal is clear: Every security officer — volunteer or contracted — serving a house of worship in America should hold an SSSF CASO or CUSO certification. Every house of worship should require it. We are building that standard, one congregation and one officer at a time.
The CASO program is the SSSF national certification for individuals who serve in an armed security capacity at a house of worship. This program goes beyond basic firearms qualification — it develops principled, legally informed, faith-aligned officers prepared to respond to elevated threats while prioritizing de-escalation and life preservation.
CASO is built to a nationwide curriculum standard developed by SSSF. Core training content is consistent across all deployments; applicable state law modules are added for the jurisdiction where training is conducted. This is the certification houses of worship should require of every armed security officer on their team.
The CUSO program is the SSSF national certification for individuals who serve in an unarmed security capacity at a house of worship. This curriculum focuses on observation, de-escalation, access control, and emergency response — giving unarmed officers the confidence, skills, and legal understanding to protect their congregation effectively.
Like CASO, CUSO is built to a nationwide curriculum standard developed by SSSF so that any congregation — in any state — receives the same foundational training quality, with applicable state law integrated for their specific jurisdiction. This is the certification houses of worship should require of every unarmed security officer on their team.
Greeters are the first face every visitor sees — and the first line of observation and awareness at your congregation. The SSSF Greeter Safety Program equips welcome team members with the awareness skills, safety knowledge, and communication protocols to serve your congregation's security mission without sacrificing the warmth and hospitality that defines a welcoming congregation.
This program has been piloted in a live live congregation setting and received positive reception with no incidents or complaints. It is available to congregations nationwide.
Are you a law enforcement, military, or security professional with a heart for protecting faith communities? Help us expand our reach.
Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation trains and certifies qualified security professionals to conduct official HOW Security Assessments on behalf of the Foundation. SSSF Certified Assessors are our boots on the ground — they carry the SSSF credential and mission into houses of worship across the country.
SSSF assessors and trainers are compensated professionals — this is a paid position funded by charitable donations to the Foundation. We are building a nationwide network of credentialed professionals who are paid to serve congregations that would never otherwise have access to professional security guidance. If that mission resonates with you, we want to hear from you.
Assessors complete our certification program and commit to conducting a minimum number of assessments per year. All assessments are performed on behalf of and under the umbrella of Shepherd's Shield Safety Foundation. Travel and expenses are coordinated with the Foundation.
Contact us to bring CASO, CUSO, or Greeter Safety certification to your congregation or security team. All SSSF certification programs are delivered free of charge to participating houses of worship nationwide.