Southwest Florida churches may see armed volunteers under new bill

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA - A proposed bill in Florida could change how security is managed at places of worship. Senate Bill 52 aims to allow volunteers to provide armed security at churches and other worship spaces, potentially replacing on-site professional security.

James Howard, a church safety expert with decades of law enforcement experience, shared his insights on the topic.

"We're just volunteers that are watching over the flock. That's it. We're not calling ourselves security," said Howard.

Howard emphasized that his approach to church safety is more of a ministry than a security operation.

"I teach how you're proactive, and how you can tell a wolf in sheep's clothing within three minutes," said Howard.

His church's safety team comprises more than a dozen members trained to identify three types of people who enter their doors.

"There are those that walk into your church, that are coming to worship, and they're really easy to spot," said Howard. "Then we have people that are hurting. Then we also look for the wolf in sheep's clothing."

In Southwest Florida, incidents at places of worship have raised concerns about safety. Senate Bill 52 was introduced to protect faith community members by allowing volunteers to provide armed security without a professional security license.

Howard expressed concerns about the perception of having explicit security teams in churches.

"I go to churches and I see guys wearing security shirts, and to me, that gives the wrong impression to somebody coming into the church," said Howard. "I welcome anything that protects volunteers at a church. I welcome anything that would protect a volunteer. But what I see with this is that they're just trying to get rid of the stigmatism between security companies."

The bill passed unanimously in the Senate on Wednesday and now moves to the House for consideration.

Those on Howard's church safety team who are armed, they hold concealed carry permits. However, they remain inconspicuous, blending into the congregation unless their intervention is needed to protect others.