Religious institutions around town are taking measures to make sure their congregations are safe during services and throughout the week.
Executive Pastor Jim Gerlt at Bacon Heights Baptist Church uses a ‘see something, say something’ policy, and other religious leaders seem to agree.
“Churches are becoming more and more of a target for folks who want to inflict harm,” Gerlt said.
The former city councilman said keeping his congregation safe is top priority.
“The best offense is a good defense, and we’re trying to have a good defense here to help take care of things, we really are.”
Gerlt isn’t alone. Imam Samer Altabaa told EverythingLubbock.com in a statement he’s met with city officials to decide what steps should be taken to ensure security at the mosque.
Some of those steps include a higher level of police presence during services, a surveillance and alarm system.
“I think some people who are bent on violence look upon a church as being an easy target, they can come in really easily and get away with it,” Gerlt said, “They don’t realize that in most churches these days, there are a number of armed people.”
Gerlt wouldn’t give all the details, but said even though other churches are hiring LPD officers in uniform, they don’t, but added that there still may be armed people at his church who are on duty.
He said should something happen, they’re ready.
“The reality is, someone coming in determined to be a shooter is probably going to get a few shots, but you don’t let them empty a clip, reload, and empty a clip and reload. We’re prepared, and hopefully we can detect them before they get in and do that harm.”
