Verkada Security Boost In Worship Places

Amid rising concerns over safety in places of worship, nearly half of regular attendees express heightened fear of violence during in-person services, according to a recent survey conducted by Verkada and The Harris Poll.

This apprehension has impacted attendance habits, with 39% of respondents reporting changes to their frequency of attendance in religious gatherings due to these safety issues.

The study provides crucial insights from 1,123 U.S. adults who frequently participate in religious services or events.

Heightened Concerns and Attendance Impact

The findings reveal deep-rooted worries within faith communities regarding the safety of shared worship spaces

The findings reveal deep-rooted worries within faith communities regarding the safety of shared worship spaces.

The survey also shows that safety concerns are notably higher in larger congregations, where 32% of attendees report significant apprehension, a considerable increase compared to 18% in smaller congregations.

This unease is pronounced among younger demographics, with Gen Z and Millennials reporting the highest levels of concern at 55% and 61%, respectively. Consequently, these groups are also more inclined to alter their attendance habits, with 53% acknowledging they have done so.

Security Improvements Amid Ongoing Challenges

Despite proactive measures, gaps remain in security, as evidenced by 54% of worshipers observing security upgrades in the past year, yet 33% still rate their places of worship's security as minimal or insufficient. This ongoing risk underscores the importance of continuous enhancements to create safe environments for congregational activities.

Verkada reports a 65% uptick in the adoption of its security technologies by religious institutions over the past year, signaling a strong move towards addressing these concerns.

Expert Insights on Congregational Safety

Ben Jones, retired police lieutenant and Public Safety Advisor at Verkada, emphasized the vital nature of these gatherings for community well-being, citing recent Gallup data indicating that 30% of U.S. adults routinely attend religious services.

 Jones highlighted, “For faith leaders ensuring the physical security of their congregations isn’t just about protection, but about preserving the sense of peace and belonging these spaces represent.”