Richmond Alarm News Blog

Every property is different when it comes to security needs, but churches and places of worship, present special challenges. Congregations want to be welcoming of all visitors and show trust in current members while at the same time being responsible about protecting their property and staff. According to Security World News, churches suffered $24 Million in property losses in 2009. Churches are often seen as safe places by members; however burglars often view them as “soft” targets due to the trusting nature of congregations.

Security Solutions for Churches

Often when a congregation gets a new security system, members quickly become frustrated by false alarms and police dispatches. It is difficult to educate such a large group of people on how to handle a new system. It is also difficult to determine who should have access to the new security system. In most cases, to help prevent false alarms, it may be best to start by putting intrusion systems on the areas of the church that contain the most commonly stolen (ie valuable) assets.

Commonly stolen property from churches

• Audio Visual Equipment
• Musical Instruments (guitars, drums, keyboards)
• Laptops and Office Electronics
• Cash from the Offering

Richmond Alarm recommends the following security for churches:

1. Designate 1 or 2 main entry points to the church. Change the locks on all other doors because it is nearly impossible to track all the keys that have been floating around. Keep all other doors securely locked and only accessible by essential personnel (such as the maintenance superintendent and pastor)


2. Put access control on the main entry points and use keycards to control who may enter. This provides a record of who enters, and also allows for a person’s access to be removed if necessary.  Periodic purging of the system will also help to maintain an up to date database of who has/needs access to the facility.  This is a huge advantage over traditional lock an key security.


3. Use a safe to store the offering or other money held in the facility


4. Install an electronic security system in the office and audio visual (AV) areas such as the sanctuary or high-tech meeting rooms. Keep instruments and sound equipment locked in the areas protected by the electronic intrusion security.


5. Take advantage of the auto arm and auto disarm features of the security system to help prevent someone from forgetting to arm systems and leaving the facility unprotected.

Contact Richmond Alarm Company for a free security system evaluation and estimate 804-276-9259.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design can help reduce crime at your business. 

Security Systems

Standard locks and keys can’t provide the ability to effectively control access.  When keys are used as the primary means of controlling access in an office environment, many security issues arise.  First, lost or misplaced keys can be a headache for an administrator.  When someone leaves the company, or is terminated, their key must physically be taken back.  Sometimes this is simply not possible.  This puts the company in the costly spot of having to re-key the facility to maintain security.  Second, unless a secure master key type system is used, key duplication could be an issue.  If employees can make copies of their keys, there will be no way to make sure that all keys are accounted for.  There could be keys with someone you don’t want to have access.  

However, intelligent door control and access control can give you the ability to protect your company and employees.

Door Control

A simple door control system uses either a card or a PIN number, to unlock an electrified lock on the door.  The card or the PIN number can be deactivated at the door or through a basic software program.  Basic door control does not typically allow for scheduled locking and unlocking of doors, or limitations to access based on authority level or time of day.  A full access control system is needed for that level of control.

Converting your Facility to Access Control

By replacing standard hardware devices with electronic locks and intelligent access control systems, businesses are able to control and monitor people flow in their buildings.  With a true access control system, you can have open customer areas working in conjunction with restricted employee areas, and limit access to critical infrastructure based on authority levels or working hours.  An audit trail is also created reporting where an employee goes, and when.

Elements of Electronic Access Control

Time Zones - Create a schedule of when a door is locked or unlocked, and when a certain employee or group of employees’ cards are active.  If an employee tries to enter a protected area outside of the time schedule, they will be denied access and a report will be generated for the event.

Access Levels -Decide which employees are allowed to enter certain areas by establishing a predefined set of privileges.  For example, if you want to protect a server room, you can decide which employees are allowed to enter.

Cards - With a few clicks on the computer, you can remove access when someone leaves without worrying about getting their key back.  Each card in unique and cannot be duplicated.

Reports - Searchable reports tell you where each employee goes in the building, and who may be trying to access prohibited areas.

State-of-the-art access control software integrates the most advanced security technologies with innovative networking capabilities to bring you full-featured security solutions serving any size facility. Access Control systems also give you the ability to manage visitors with less effort.

Contact us at Richmond Alarm to learn how an access control system can assist you in protecting your business, your assets and your employees.