CONCORD — The Concord Police Department has announced a new training opportunity to help places of worship consider the security needs of their facilities and operations. The program is designed for clergy, lay leaders, worship staff and anyone else responsible for the safety of their place of worship.

In a free, one-hour session, Master Police Officer Ron Ferrell will help attendees understand the challenges and needs of worship security. The program’s goal is to make the process of creating a secure environment easier, less expensive and more effective.

Those interested can attend one of four scheduled dates, or contact Ferrell for further information. Each class will be held in training room 304 of Concord Police Headquarters, located at 41 Cabarrus Ave W. Free parking is located in the parking deck across the street.

Currently, sessions are scheduled for:

• Thursday, Oct. 1 at 10 a.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.

Topics to be covered include: children’s security, responding to a disruptive or violent individual, offerings and cash control, lockdown procedures, background checks, key security, implementing a security team.

To register for this program or for more information, please contact Ferrell at 704-920-5000 or ferrellr@concordnc.gov. The city’s public safety departments will also provide a follow-up emergency preparedness program to help attendees of the security training continue their efforts.