TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Police have been working closely with local churches during recent months to improve security and strengthen community ties.
The initiative began in response to a series of church shootings in Minnesota, Michigan, and Washington, D.C. earlier this year.
What You Need To Know
Tampa Police working with Bay area churches on improving security
The initiative began in response to a series of church shootings in Minnesota, Michigan, and Washington, D.C. earlier this year
TPD HOUSE OF WORSHIP SECURITY (.pdf)
Another training session is scheduled for Monday night at the Tampa Convention Center, where officers will provide guidance on how to secure churches and church-related activities. Participants will also review different scenarios involving potential threats.
Police officials said the partnership has not only helped improve safety but also fostered stronger relationships between law enforcement and area congregations.
Jared Douds, a training specialist with the Tampa Police Department, said the sessions offer more than just security tips: They also provide opportunities for churches to connect with one another and with police.
“What we are looking to do with this is a combination of networking,” Douds said. “An opportunity for us to interact with the public, the public to interact with us, and for them to interact with each other and share concerns and information.
“But what we are also looking to do is just provide a general overview of some considerations, some things they can look at to make both themselves and the folks that attend their establishments safer.”
No registration is required to participate in tonight’s event. The training begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Tampa Convention Center.