Federation & Secure Community Network: Continued Collaboration to Secure our Community

 
While many of us have been working remotely and our facilities largely closed these last few months, Federation’s security team, in partnership with Secure Community Network, has been actively addressing local safety and security needs. Regional Security Advisor, Robert Graves, and Deputy Regional Security Advisor, Chris Usher, work in close communication with federal, state, and local public safety agencies to assess suspicious activities and incidents for risks and threats, and to coordinate appropriate responses.

And throughout the pandemic, Robert and Chris have continued their daily work with synagogues, JCCs, and other community institutions as those organizations adapt to the COVID-19 environment, including advising on how and when to reopen safely.

Federation’s security team continues to provide consultation on a wide array of security matters, particularly the challenges of reopening in a COVID-19 environment. As Robert notes, “Every member of the community has a role to play in the safety and security of our institutions. We encourage everyone to work with their synagogue, JCC, or other community organization to look at and update the safety, security, and emergency plans.”

Robert and Chris remain focused on sharing their expertise with institutions in multiple ways. Most recently, the two provided instrumental support for a number of local institutions, assisting them in receiving federal grants for security improvements under FEMA’s Non-Profit Security Grant Program (NSGP), by providing security assessments of facilities and a workshop on the application process. Institutions interested in applying for the NSGP in 2021 can contact Robert and Chris now to schedule assessments or to discuss the grant application and implementation processes.

This month, the security team will host Zoom discussions for organizational leadership on safety and security topics and planning. “We are available to assist any community organization with drafting or updating their plan and to provide related training classes, such as Situational Awareness for greeters, ushers, and event staffs, and Countering Active Threats,” Robert advises.

To set up an assessment, consultation, or training for your organization, contact Robert Graves or Chris Usher.