CHURCH SECURITY TEAMS IN GEORGIA

In Georgia churches, usually decided by pastor or church elders, must decide whether to "opt in" or "opt out". If a Church "opts out" then only certified law enforcement officers or certified aremed security gaurds can carry inside the building. If a church "opts in" then all legal Georgia GWL holders are allowed to have a concealed weapon in the church building though certain areas like childrens classes can be designated as weapons free. We have some of the most complicated laws for securing a church and seem to be written in a manner to force churches to hire private security agencies, off duty certified law enforcement agents, or build your on team. The primary author of this site has worked in securing churches in Georgia for over twenty years from small community churches to large multicampus/multi-state worship centers. To God be the Glory, lets keep our congregations safe.

GEORGIA FIREAMS CARRY LAW IN CHURCHES

From www.GeorgiaCarry.org

Q: Can I carry to or at church?
A: No, unless the church has a policy of allowing carry in their individual church. HB60 modified church carry so if you are caught carrying a weapon in a church that does not allow carry, you will be ticketed and fined up to $100. You will also be subject to losing your GWL for up to 5 years. You may have a weapon in your car in the parking lot with a valid Georgia Weapons License which has been legal since SB308 was signed into law on June 4, 2010.

Many pastors feel they can "opt out" to keep any GWL holder from carrying in thier facilities then give verbal permisson to members they trust like some sort of special privelidge. When you announce an "opt out" policy or install "Weapons Free Campus" signs you have locked out all your GWL holders from carrying even yourself, elders, deacons, trusted members, etc. Now you have to leverage Certified Law Enforcement officers whether members of your church or hired, hire a licensed private security firm, form a licensed Georgia Security Team registered with Secretary of State or hang out in the breeze with no legal way to fight back if an active shooter comes in your church. Easiest is to "opt in" then have trusted members work together in a loose association of knowing who is carrying and placing themselves in a manner that protects the entire facility. We will be adding much more information on Georgia church security law regularly.