The National Church Arson Task Force (NCATF) reported that between 1995 – 2000, over 1500 houses of worship were damaged by fires or bombings. A total of 900 of these incidents were determined to be acts of arson. Even though the incidents of arson committed against churches were extremely high in 1980, a surge of church burnings and bombings in 1996 brought increased media attention to this phenomenon. Some of the theories that were promoted centered on the following possible motives. Vandalism, Pyromania, Covering the evidence of other crimes such as burglary, Financial profit, Retaliation, Disgruntled pastor/member, Religious discrimination,Racial discrimination.
Since most of these attacks took place in the South, and a disproportionate number of the incidents involved African-American churches, increased attention was focused on this problem by law enforcement agencies at the state and federal levels culminating in the establishment of task forces – one of which was the NCATF created in 1996. In July of the same year, Congress passed and President Clinton signed the Church Arson Prevention Act of 1996, which granted Federal prosecutors greater power in pursuing those who burn or desecrate houses of worship.
Also in the same year, a study was commissioned by ASIS International to explore what role the organization could play in addressing this problem. It was determined that local chapters should establish House of Worship Projects for the purpose of providing free security assessments of houses of worship utilizing the expertise of local security professionals. It was viewed as a way of giving back to the community.
The Houston chapter began a House of Worship Project several years ago. In 2003, under the leadership of Lewis Eakins of Eakins Investigative Services, and Matt Silcox, CPP, of CHP & Associates, the chapter has performed three (3) security assessments of area houses of worship. Several more are planned before the end of the year.
The focus of the security assessments are to review facilities and make recommendations for increasing security to prevent not only attacks by arsonist, but to deter burglaries, robberies, auto thefts, vandalism, and other crimes.
Typically, a volunteer chapter member will meet with the pastor or designee at the worship site and conduct a walk-through of the facility. Questions are usually asked by the security professional relating to past criminal activity, burglar/fire alarm systems, money handling procedures, lighting, doors, locks, etc. The walk-through can last from 30-45 minutes. Within two weeks a written report is forwarded to the designated person outlining recommendations for security improvements.
The security assessments are absolutely free, and the security professional is prohibited from offering to provide related products or services for a fee. Assessments are provided irrespective of race or religious affiliation.
If you would like to have a security assessment conducted at your house of worship, or if you would like more information, please call the Houston chapter at (281) 966-1534, or contact Wanette Fountain, House of Worship Project Chairperson, directly at 713/965-2233, email address wfountain@crescent.com.