OC Sheriff’s Office offering Church Safety Meetings

After the recent church shooting in Texas, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office reminds churches about safety meetings they offer. Since 2014, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office has offered to area places of worship, church safety meetings to address ways that congregations can protect themselves and their property. Sergeant Mike McGowan will come to places of worship for a church safety assessment. During the safety meetings, Sgt. McGowan goes over several different issues that may arise for churches and places of worship, from active shooter situations to how to protect buildings and property from being damaged to how to prevent larcenies to questions regarding church members who are Concealed Weapons Permit holders and even how to handle disruptions during worship services. Sgt. McGowan also recommends that churches consider forming church safety teams consisting of current and retired law enforcement, military and Concealed Weapons Permit holders. If any church is interested in hosting a church safety meeting with Sgt. McGowan, call 864-638-2017.