With mass shootings in mind, Passaic sheriff gives clergy tips to protect sacred spaces
Passaic County law enforcement officials gathered with concerned local clergy Wednesday night in Wayne for a security seminar meant to help keep houses of worship safe amid rising gun violence.
During the hourlong forum, held in an auditorium at the county fire academy on Oldham Road, county and state authorities gave practical security advice, such as how to spot a potential shooter by noticing the physical posture and movements an armed person often exhibits.
Officials distributed folders with information on how to build a security plan, what to do if an active shooter enters their building and how to properly fortify their facility with cameras, reinforced doors and armed security guards.
And they offered their expertise to anyone who wants it — call the county Prosecutor's Office and they'll come out and do a free site assessment, said Prosecutor Camelia Valdes. Besides identifying weak points, the assessment will be a critical part of any application for federal security improvement funding that's expected to be available later this year, she said.
Many of the 75 or so attendees appreciated law enforcement's willingness to share its knowledge and resources.
"They're offering a lot of stuff that we really never think about," said Ronald Porter, a member of the Iglesia Cristiana Betel in Paterson. "We're here to learn. And to get together to see what the other churches are doing. You never know what might happen."
'Our nation grieves with them': NJ officials react to deadly Texas school shooting
Passaic County held the seminar in the wake of a series of bloody attacks on public buildings in the last several weeks, including shootings at a Uvalde, Texas, elementary school that left 19 children and two teachers dead and at a Buffalo supermarket that killed 10 people and injured three.
The last forum was held in 2019, Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik said. But the COVID-19 pandemic torpedoed plans for further events.
With COVID on the downswing — and with the stunning explosion of gun violence — Berdnik said he thought it was "very important" to resurrect the program.
"You know what's happening in the news," the sheriff told attendees. "The idea here is to bring the reality of what's going on throughout the entire country, put things into perspective and create awareness."
Authorities elsewhere in the region have said they harbor similar concerns.
Late last month, the Bergen County prosecutor and sheriff said they will station rapid response units at schools, malls and houses of worship to deter would-be gunmen.
Reaction: In aftermath of shootings, Sussex Democrats rally, call on GOP to enact sensible gun laws
There haven't been any credible threats, said Jason Love, chief of detectives for the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office. But authorities felt it was important to boost their public presence, he said, especially at the county's churches, synagogues and mosques.
The Rev. James E. Salmon Sr., of New Christian Missionary Baptist Church in Paterson, said Wednesday night that he was very concerned about his organization's safety.
He plans to apply for federal money to buy security cameras that might bolster the church's defenses and head off violence.
"We'd be able to see danger coming before it gets there," Salmon said. "This is terrible. I think everybody ought to be afraid."
Steve Janoski covers law enforcement for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news about those who safeguard your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: janoski@northjersey.com
Twitter: @stevejanoski
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ gun laws: Passaic County sheriff gives clergy mass shooting tips
