Overview
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the public the right to assemble and express opinions through demonstrations. While this right is fundamental, it also places responsibility on government agencies to maintain order and protect lives and property during such events. Under most state statutes, assemblies may be declared unlawful, and law enforcement officers are authorized to disperse crowds and arrest violators using reasonable force.
Civil disturbances, though infrequent, can cause significant disruption and damage. They often arise during periods of heightened societal tension and require proactive planning. Effective mitigation depends on collaboration among city government, community leaders, businesses, service organizations, and congregations.
Triggers for Protest
- Local issues or controversies
- New policies or regulations
- Ideological disputes
Because protests can occur near houses of worship, leaders should establish standing requests with permit-issuing agencies and local police departments to be notified when demonstrations are scheduled in proximity to their facilities.
Property Protection Protocols
- No Protestors on Property: Request police presence during demonstrations. If protestors enter the campus, law enforcement can enforce trespassing violations under your applicable state statute.
- Disruption of Meetings: If protestors disrupt meetings, ask them to leave. Enforcement applies to trespassing in such cases.
- Disruption of Religious Services: Most states have a criminal code violation, which makes it a crime to disturb religious meetings through profanity, misbehavior, or unreasonable noise.
- Evidence Collection: Photos or video of incidents should be taken to support future civil or criminal proceedings.
Information Gathering – Planning & Prevention
Staff should be trained to recognize suspicious behaviors, such as:
- Unknown individuals on campus
- Inappropriate clothing for the season
- People photographing facilities or members
- Individuals showing unusual interest in children’s programs or classrooms
Security teams should be trained to approach such individuals in a friendly but intervention-ready manner, demonstrating that the property is actively monitored.
Information Gathering – Operational Measures
- Use surveillance systems to record suspicious activity
- Document vehicle license plates and physical descriptions
- Report concerns to administration and law enforcement
- Monitor drone activity, as UAVs can be used for unauthorized surveillance
- Understand state and local UAV laws to determine the legality of overflights
Agent Provocateurs
Congregations must be aware of individuals—often called “First Amendment auditors” or social media live streamers—who intentionally provoke security responses. Mishandling these encounters can expose weaknesses, create legal liabilities, and generate negative publicity. Training and protocols should emphasize calm, lawful responses to minimize risk.
Preparing for Disturbances
Non-Threatening Situations
- Consider early dismissal of activities
- Establish dialogue with protest leaders
- Gather information on the purpose of the protest
- Set ground rules to ensure church activities continue safely
- Keep entrances clear and demonstrators confined to public property
- Request extra police patrols and enforcement of trespassing laws
- Notify senior leadership and legal counsel, designating a sole media spokesperson
Threatening Situations
- Discontinue activities and initiate dismissal procedures
- Request police assistance with crowd control
- Notify legal counsel to pursue preventative legal action
- Contact insurance providers for guidance
- Limit entrances and assign security personnel with radios
- Provide staff escorts to vehicles
- Notify neighboring businesses of potential impact
Responding to Riots or Violent Demonstrations
- Initiate lockdown procedures and consider safe evacuation routes
- Position staff and students away from windows
- Ensure emergency first aid supplies are available
- Escort police to demonstrator locations rather than confronting protestors directly
- Consult legal counsel on additional options
- Communicate clearly with staff, students, and families about safety and departure protocols
Conclusion
Civil disturbances present complex challenges for houses of worship. By combining legal awareness, proactive planning, and strong partnerships with law enforcement, congregations can safeguard their members, staff, and property. The goal is not only to minimize danger but also to demonstrate resilience and preparedness. A proactive approach—grounded in law, best practices, and community collaboration—ensures that congregations remain safe havens even in times of societal unrest.
