BARTOW, Fla. - Sunday's church shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, has reignited the debate regarding security in churches.
It's not far-fetched to wonder whether a church shooting could happen in our area. A man killed his wife at home, then opened fire on two pastors at a Lakeland church in 2011.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office has active shooter training specifically for churches.
“Run, hide fight. We want to make sure that's what they leave with,” Lt. Rian Shea said.
Trainers also walk through the church to see how security could be improved without spending much money.
“Emergency exits are not blocked," Shea explained. "We want to make sure they can get out, and know where they can gather once they leave that location."
Bethel Baptist Church, following the training, added security cameras.
A team of volunteers also looks for anything suspicious before and during church services.
“They're staged strategically. The balcony, other places, to just watch what's going on,” Associate Pastor Eric Little said.
In addition, church doors are locked once services start.
While Bethel's volunteers are unarmed, it is legal to have a gun in church with a concealed weapons permit.
“A good person with a gun is not a danger to society,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. “They're an attribute.”
Having a safety plan is key to preventing another church from becoming a crime scene, Judd said.
Other Tampa Bay sheriff's offices have similar training. Marion County is working to model Polk County's program.
