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Please share your church's security policies in regards to known pedophiles/sexual offenders. How does your church's monitor the where-about's of sexual offenders in areas of the church that AREN'T children or youth spaces?
Lisa B from NC
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| The short answer to the question is we do not have a written policy on "dealing with a pedophile/known threat". However, we do have a procedure in-place for "known threats" that is managed by our security team leaders which is: 1. Information Collection: Gather physical description; photo, vehicle information and home address. Discuss the possible threat with pastoral staff and church's desired course of action. 2. Security Bulletin: Distribute a bulletin containing the information collected, description of the threat and course of action to be taken. The bulletin is generally distributed to the security team and the team leaders brief their team on the details of the bulletin. 3. Course of Action: Generally we would not allow a known pedophile to enter the children's area and attend children's events. The children's staff should be briefed on the Security Bulletin. a. Pastoral staff should meet with the person to s the person and the church's desire to allow attendance and to set boundaries for attendance. b. The local authorities should be contacted to inquire if there are any restrictions placed on this person related to children (i.e. can not be within 1000 feet of a playground, school etc...) which would preclude them from attended church. c. All communications with the local authorities should be from paid staff acting on the authority of the church. Christiaan VandenHeuvel Pastor to Children Cornerstone Fellowship
Lisa B from NC
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We have found a good way of dealing with this that is simple but effective!
Our rule is this: IF YOU CAN SEE BLUE, IT’S NOT FOR YOU. This sounds weird, I know, but let me explain.
Our children’s and youth areas are all located around a blue painted hallway. If you come in the main entrance you immediately see the blue hallways so pedophiles cannot use this entrance or any of our west or south entrances (which take you through the blue hallways). Sex offenders must come in the far east entrance and go directly into the Sanctuary. When in the Sanctuary they must sit on the east side or they will be able to see the blue paint of the hallways. One of our security teams shadows the offender as well. If the pedophile is serious about attending church and not breaking the rules of their parole then the BLUE rule works really well and keeps them a safe distance from where children gather.
You may not be able to change your paint color but maybe you can find some sort of visual icon that is easily communicated and will allow your offender the ability to come to church and obey their restrictions easily.
Hope that helps!
Heather 
Christ Fellowship
Lisa B from NC
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We do not allow sex offenders in our children's ministry areas. We frequently check the sex offender database for local offenders and ensure that the head of security has the information as well. I, as the children's pastor maintain a copy locked in my office as well. Hope this helps.
Sean
Sean A. Bynum
Manna Chruch Children's Pastor
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That's a good idea, Sean.
That reminds me that we should all be checking those databases on a regular basis. It's free and the one we have for our state let's you search by zip code.
Lisa B from NC
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