Video: Deputies Offer Armed Church Security Training

MONROE CO., Miss. (WCBI) — The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department is offering free scenario planning and firearms training to churches in the county wanting to add armed security.

Sheriff Cecil Cantrell said the department mailed around 100 letters the churches, offering the service.

“We’re just doing this to try and help our churches in Monroe County to gell like when they’re in service, that you are safe”, said Cantrell.

Cantrell said the department already does safety checks for local churches, and deputies check local churches “two to three times a week.” Cantrell also said the department can’t reach “the 100 plus churches in Monroe County”, so the Sheriff welcomes armed security, as long as residents are trained.

Cantrell also said the department isn’t trying to take over the armed security post, put wants to make sure churches have a plan and proper firearm training.

“I don’t have any opposition to it myself…”, said Amory Church of Christ Minister Philip Hathcock, “…as long as people are trained and know what they’re doing…”

Hathcock said his congregation is currently looking into armed security, but says things like insurance and costs now play a role, but the church has made security changes.

The Minister also said he never expected a conversation like this to happen, and that church security used to be, “…welcome everyone and treat everyone in a Christian fashion…and hope they would come back to worship with us…”

Hathcock also said, “we have had through the years here a number of lawmen who attend church here, and on many occasions they come in their uniform and with their firearms, which we have no opposition to…as far as I’m concerned, that’s fine.”

Cantrell said any church interested in the training should call the department.