GACP 1st Quarter Newsletter 2019 2019_1stQuarterNewsletter_Final | Seite 5

Assistant Executive Director’s Message
(continued)
On October 27, 2018, the hate filled attack at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Philadelphia in which 11
persons were killed and six persons were injured including four officers was the deadliest and most
violent attack on the Jewish community in the United States. Subsequent to this event, the GACP
Board approved a Resolution condemning the attack and expressing its “Condolences” to the Anti-
Defamation League of Atlanta and to the Jewish Community.
As Americans, Freedom of Religion is one of the foundations upon which our nation was formed.
Recognizing an attack on one faith is an attack all faiths, representatives from the Georgia
Association of Chiefs of Police, Georgia Sheriff’s Association, Georgia Bureau of Investigation,
Federal Bureau of Investigation, U. S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and
the One Congregation One Precinct (OneCOP) Initiative provided a joint presentation to an inter-
faith congregation at the Shearith Israel Synagogue on violent attacks at places of worship. Several
hundred persons representing places of worship attended the program. Statistically, the chance of
an assault at a place of worship is relatively small. Still that chance exists, and the notoriety of the
events elicits strong responses from individuals. Each of the speakers emphasized the importance of
congregations developing relationships with their local law enforcement agencies. Throughout most
areas of our State it is the local police department that is the primary provider of law enforcement
services to these facilities. In the coming months, leaders may receive requests for assistance with
developing an active shooter plan. Some of the issues to be addressed may include conducting a
security analysis, how to respond in the event of an active shooter, what to expect when first
responders arrive, and what will occur after the threat has been ‘neutralized’. It is common for
church leaders to ask for guidance regarding members of the congregation carrying weapons.
Each situation is different, and it is best the congregation determines what approach they choose
to support. Issues they should consider making this decision is the abilities of the individual carrying
a weapon, danger of armed individuals being harmed by ‘friendly fire’ and how to respond when
officers arrive. When interacting with church leaders or congregations, it is important agencies not
offer assurances they will protect the congregation from harm. This assurance forms a ‘special
relationship’ and can expose the department to liability if an incident occurs. In the end, places of
worship must balance the need to protect their congregations from being victimized with ensuring
they maintain an open, inviting and welcoming environment for those seeking to worship. It is
recommended agencies refer to the U. S. Department of Homeland Security website for additional
information on Active Shooter Preparedness and Response.
In closing, I would like to say it has been a pleasure and honor to work with the Georgia Police Chiefs
for the past year. I look forward to many years of service with the association and seeing each of our
members at the upcoming conference in Athens.
Respectfully,
Dwayne Orrick
Dwayne Orrick
Assistant Executive Director
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