Lessons from a Church Deadly-Force Attack
Legal representation is crucial for church security team members who may be involved in a use-of-force incident. Whether defending your church, family, or yourself, the potential for legal scrutiny—even in justified cases—makes proactive legal preparation essential. The emotional and financial toll of defending oneself in a court of law can be devastating without the proper legal support in place.
The Necessity of Legal Representation –
The importance of having dedicated legal protection cannot be overstated. Just as believers have an advocate in Jesus Christ, those who may need to use force require an earthly advocate in the form of legal counsel. Even when actions are clearly justified, individuals can face prolonged investigations, grand jury proceedings, and potential civil lawsuits.
A notable example involves a security guard who was cleared of second-degree murder after using deadly force in self-defense. Despite being justified under "stand your ground" laws, the investigation took roughly 14 months. The emotional toll during that time was significant. Imagine enduring over a year of uncertainty, waiting to learn whether your justified actions would result in criminal charges or civil liability. Even justified shootings can require costly legal defense to establish innocence.
Having legal representation may not guarantee peace of mind, but it ensures the individual has an advocate working to guide them through the legal process. Without proper legal protection, individuals may have to rely on public defenders, who are often overloaded with cases and may lack specialized knowledge in self-defense law. Private legal counsel, especially from a lawyer experienced in firearm-related incidents, ensures knowledgeable advocacy and a better understanding of local laws and court systems.
The Importance of Vetting Church Security Team Members
In addition to securing legal protection, church leaders must take proactive steps in vetting their security team members to reduce risk. Leaders are encouraged to:
- Verify Concealed Carry Permits: Ensure anyone carrying a firearm is legally permitted to do so by checking and documenting their concealed carry permits. This step may seem simple, but it is critical. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it also protects the church from liability should an unlicensed individual be involved in an incident. Maintaining accurate documentation helps prove that your team is comprised of qualified individuals.
- Monitor Social Media Presence: Aggressive posts, politically charged comments, or expressions of prejudice can be used against security personnel in court. Social media posts are often introduced as evidence to question an individual's character, motives, or decision-making ability. Leaders should advise team members to clean up questionable content and consider removing individuals who persist in problematic behavior.
- Assess Temperament and Attitude: Some individuals with aggressive tendencies may view church security roles as an opportunity to exert control or act confrontationally. Leaders must take special care to ensure their team members possess the right temperament—calm, measured, and focused on de-escalation rather than confrontation. People prone to impulsiveness or hostility are more likely to make poor decisions in stressful situations, increasing the risk of legal trouble.
Church leaders can conduct periodic reviews of their security teams to identify and address concerns early. This may include discussions about behavior, conduct standards, and conflict resolution. Additionally, team members should be reminded of the importance of professionalism, particularly when interacting with congregation members or the public.
Understanding Legal Protection Services
Legal protection services provide vital support throughout legal proceedings. Unlike traditional insurance companies, these services operate as a "prepaid legal services product," meaning their focus is entirely on supporting members throughout legal challenges. This type of coverage is essential for church security team members who may be at higher risk of involvement in incidents requiring legal defense.
One well-known and trusted option is U.S. Law Shield. U.S. Law Shield specializes in legal representation for self-defense incidents. They provide:
- Dedicated legal representation for both criminal and civil cases: Legal services ensure that qualified attorneys are available from the start of the investigation through the final ruling.
- Attorneys experienced in defending use-of-force situations: Unlike general practice attorneys, those provided by U.S. Law Shield understand self-defense law and are equipped to handle high-pressure cases involving firearms and defensive action.
- Continued support even if criminal guilt is established on minor charges: Some insurance policies exclude coverage if the individual is convicted of a crime during a self-defense incident. U.S. Law Shield remains engaged through the entirety of both criminal and civil proceedings.
While specific services may vary, it is important to research legal protection options carefully to understand what coverage they offer and how they operate. In particular, individuals should pay attention to exclusions or restrictions on coverage, as some providers may limit their support in certain cases.
Good Will Offering – Support Church Security Training
At Sheepdog Church Security, we are committed to equipping churches with free resources, training, and guidance to help protect congregations everywhere. If you’ve found this content helpful and would like to support our mission, consider making a Good Will Offering.
Your support helps us:
✔ Provide free church security training and materials
✔ Expand resources to better prepare safety teams
✔ Continue guiding churches in creating safer worship environments
While all of our resources will remain free, your generosity allows us to continue providing high-quality training and materials to those who need it most.
Stand with us in safeguarding places of worship.
Training for Safety Team Volunteers
Equipping church safety team volunteers with proper training is vital for improving decision-making during potential use-of-force incidents. The Safety Member Certification training offered by us here at Sheepdog Church Security Academy is an excellent resource for this purpose. The program covers essential topics, including:
- Basic Use-of-Force Laws: Understanding the legal boundaries of defensive action to ensure volunteers respond appropriately during incidents.
- De-escalation Techniques: Teaching volunteers how to diffuse confrontations before force becomes necessary.
- Active Shooter Response: Providing a structured plan for responding effectively to violent intruders while protecting innocent lives.
The Safety Member Certification program helps ensure that team members are better prepared for emergencies, minimizing the risk of legal complications due to poor decision-making.
The Financial Reality of Legal Defense
Legal defense can be extremely costly, even for individuals who ultimately prove their innocence. Attorney fees for criminal defense alone can range between $10,000 and $100,000 depending on the complexity of the case. If a civil lawsuit follows, those costs can escalate dramatically. For church security team members who may have limited personal financial resources, this burden can be overwhelming.
Prepaid legal services reduce this financial risk by ensuring immediate access to experienced attorneys without the worry of mounting legal costs. Having access to legal protection can give security team members the confidence to act appropriately in crisis situations, knowing they will have support if their actions are questioned later.
Protect Yourself and Your Church
All church security team members—and anyone who may need to use force—should obtain legal protection. While churches may have their own legal counsel, having individual representation is vital. Church legal counsel typically represents the organization rather than individual team members. In a self-defense incident, an individual’s legal interests may not align with the church’s liability concerns, creating a conflict of interest. Individual representation ensures personalized advocacy throughout the legal process.
Church leaders are encouraged to:
- Discuss legal protection options with their teams.
- Ensure all armed team members are verified and legally approved to carry firearms.
- Educate team members about the risks of social media behavior and potential legal consequences.
- Conduct routine evaluations of security team members to assess behavior, temperament, and decision-making skills.
Conclusion
The need for proactive legal protection cannot be overstated. Even justified actions can lead to lengthy legal battles. By securing legal representation, investing in comprehensive training like the Safety Member Certification, and carefully vetting security team members, church leaders can better protect their teams, themselves, and their congregations from legal risks. In today's legal climate, being prepared with the right protection is essential.
Proactive preparation—including legal protection, team vetting, and ongoing education—provides security team members with the confidence to act decisively in moments of crisis. While no one anticipates being involved in a use-of-force incident, taking steps to prepare for that possibility is crucial to ensuring the safety of your congregation and protecting yourself from legal consequences.