WILMINGTON — In response to national tragedies like the recent church shooting in Texas and the 2015 mass shooting that took place in Charleston S.C., the Wilmington Police Department is helping churchgoers prepare for the worst through a church security seminar.
The event will take place on Jan. 20, 2018 in the Wilmington City Council’s Chambers in City Hall.
While the WPD has offered seminars and safety events in the past for things like pedophilia and scams that might target churches, the recent events have prompted the department to be proactive and address the topic, Public Affairs Officer for the Wilmington Police Department Linda Thompson said.
Space will be limited for those interested in attending, and Thompson said she estimates there is room for about 125 people comfortably. Registration is required and anyone who is interested may attend.
WPD will present to attendees The Department of Homeland Security’s Active Shooter Safety Guidelines, building security information, and developing safety protocols.
Although there is a finite number of spaces for residents to attend, Thompson said the department is working on finding a way to potentially broadcast the event to the public, either through the city’s GTV8 television channel, or via Facebook Live.
The seminary will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end around 11:30 a.m. and interested parties can register by calling 910-341-4608 or emailing linda.rawley@wilmingtonnc.gov.
Michael Praats can be reached at Michael.p@localvoicemedia.com
