Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA

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Securing Our Worship Spaces: Insights from FBI and Phoenix PD

Brian Flatgard

In May 2022, the Grand Canyon Synod’s Office of the Bishop hosted an important online presentation on church security. Partnering with the Phoenix Police Department and the FBI Phoenix Field Office, the event focused on providing congregations with critical information about safeguarding their spaces. We extend our gratitude to Tom Vega of Esperanza Lutheran Church in Phoenix for facilitating this event, as well as to FBI Special Agent Dan Johnson, Phoenix Police Department Detective Bradley Calender, and FBI Phoenix Community Outreach Specialist Lynsey Wright for sharing their expertise.

The webinar addressed several key security concerns for faith-based communities, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning. While the likelihood of an attack on a house of worship is low—comparable to that of an airplane crash—the presenters stressed the value of having a security plan, just as you would pay attention to safety features when boarding a plane. The most common incidents affecting churches tend to be related to domestic situations, such as non-custodial parents seeking to retrieve children during services.

For churches interested in bolstering their security measures, the FBI offers a free threat vulnerability assessment. Special Agent Dan Johnson is available to conduct campus audits, helping congregations identify and mitigate risks. To schedule an assessment or ask further questions, contact Special Agent Johnson at djohnson7@fbi.gov.

We encourage all congregations to review the additional resources provided during the webinar, including guides from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the FBI’s “Study of Pre-Attack Behaviors of Active Shooters in the U.S.,” and the DHS Faith-Based Preparedness Guide. These materials offer practical steps for improving safety in houses of worship.

For anonymous tips or leads, visit the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center (azactic.gov), or reach out to Detective Brad Calender of the Phoenix Police Department at bradley.calender@phoenix.gov.

To view the full presentation, click here and use the passcode: ^^8$%JXX.

Click here to view a recording of the webinar, and use this passcode: ^^8$%JXX

Contact info

Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center contact info:

  • Dial 911 if an emergency

  • Otherwise, call 602-644-5805, or visit azactic.gov.

  • Detective Brad Calender #8537
    Phoenix Police Department / Homeland Defense Bureau
    Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center "ACTIC"
    Threat Mitigation Unit
    bradley.calender@phoenix.gov

FBI:

Resources

Watch My Sheep - Establishing and Running Your Security Ministry: Author John Rolfe (jackrolfe.com) ISBN: 978-0-692-17095-3 (2018). A comprehensive book discusses security and protection for houses of worship. Contact the author for additional information and purchase.

Department of Homeland Security (dhs.gov)

FEMA

 Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA.gov)

We also share Nevada and Utah's FBI Field Offices, and the respective State Fusion Centers.

 Other resources

A few important takeaways

  • All of the presenters encouraged us to contact them any time with questions.

  • The FBI provides an important community service whereby they will come to your church and do a campus audit or “threat vulnerability assessment” to help decrease security risks at your facility. Contact Special Agent Dan Johnson to schedule.

  • For anonymous tips and leads, contact azactic.gov.

  • The odds of an attack on a house of worship is about the same as an airplane crash. While likely to never happen, it is still good to have a security plan, just as you’d pay attention to locations of exits and safety equipment in an airplane.

  • The most common security issue in houses of worship is divorced fathers coming to get their children on Sunday morning.

  • It is important to have a plan in place for these types of situations, and a team in place at your church to discuss matters of security and formulate action plans. The FBI and Phoenix Police Department are happy to assist you. Please make use of these valuable community resources!

Presenters

Special Agent Dan Johnson of the FBI - Phoenix Field Office
Dan Johnson is a special agent in the FBI assigned to investigate criminal civil rights violations throughout Arizona. Over the last eight years in Arizona Dan’s investigations have included hate crimes, color of law violations, FACE act violations, and international human rights violations.

Detective Brad Calender of the Phoenix Police Department's Homeland Defense Bureau
Detective Brad Calender is a 16-year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department. Formerly working in the Patrol Division for six years, he now works as a Detective for the Homeland Defense Bureau assigned to the Threat Mitigation Unit. There, he serves as a Subject Matter Expert in Critical Infrastructure assessments and hardening. Before becoming a police officer, Detective Calender served in the United States Navy for eight years working in the Intelligence field. He then joined the Navy Reserve upon completing his active-duty enlistment and attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer before retiring in 2018 after 20 years of service. In addition to his current position, Detective Calender frequently teaches Human Intelligence and Interview and Interrogation methods for the Phoenix Police Department's Intelligence Officer certification program. Detective Calender graduated Summa Cum Laude from American Public University with his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and is currently working towards his MBA at Arizona State University. Detective Calender has been awarded numerous times for his outstanding performance in the line of duty in service to his community.