A suspicious person may often be identified by their behavior. While no one behavioral activity is solid proof that someone is planning to act inappropriately, these factors can help volunteer safety and security teams and staff members assess whether someone poses a potential threat.
- Inappropriate, oversized, loose-fitting clothes (e.g., heavy coat on a hot day).
- Outward nervousness, glancing or other signs of ill-at-ease. This may include sweating, staring inappropriately, or muttering.
- Constantly favoring one side of the body as if hiding or attempting to conceal something.
- Carrying packages that are inconsistent with the surroundings (e.g., boxes, toolbox).
- Asking questions that are uncommon (e.g., security measures).
- Offering evasive answers to common questions.
- Person(s) in unauthorized areas of the church.
This is a short list of activity that could be considered “suspicious.” Remember, no one factor is a certain indicator of a potential problem. The important thing is for staff and volunteers to maintain an awareness of their surroundings and the people in them.
To learn more about suspicious persons activity, and most importantly, how staff and volunteers should address this activity in a safe and professional manner, contact me at mark.a.santana@gmail.com
Santana Consulting Group 