NORTHAMPTON — A day of safety and security training for faith-based organizations will be held at the Northampton Senior Center on March 5.
The training comes in the wake of the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburg that left 11 people dead and seven injured in October and other recent incidents.
“Recent incidents of targeted violence against faith-based organizations highlight the need for communities to work proactively to increase protections and enhance safety,” Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan said in a statement announcing the event.
Faith leaders, clergy, staff of faith-based organizations, and law enforcement members are encouraged to attend the training. Rev. Janet C. Bush of the Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence will be in attendance.
“We have been thinking about the issues the workshop will address and are looking to understand how we can best prepare ourselves,” Bush said. “Clearly, this is something we hope never to face directly, but if it should happen and our planning and awareness might save lives, we should educate ourselves and prepare as best we can.”
The training will inform participants about various situations that may threaten their institutions. The agenda includes a review of cases of violence and abuse on faith-based organizations and within the institutions themselves; background screening for employees; crisis management; dealing with active shooters and the aftermath; sexual assault and abuse; church violence; and domestic violence.
Participants will learn how to craft safety procedures, assess security risks, and deal effectively with the media, according to the company providing the training, Training Force USA. Registration is $55 per person.
The event is sponsored by the Northwestern district attorney’s office and the Northampton Police Department. Police Chief Jody Kasper said the training will strengthen the community by creating a safer environment.
“Working in partnership with our faith-based leaders and community members is an important element in preventing and preparing for these potentially deadly situations,” Kasper said in a statement.