REGARDING CHURCH SECURITY VS. SAFETY - Caution! Call it what it is, do it right, and get legal. To do otherwise is un-Christian and could land everybody that participated in the conspiracy in prison and/or subject to fines and civil litigation. If you are interested in the subject of legal church security in the great Republic of Texas then educate yourself before adopting the work-arounds posted in this forum.
*A prosecuting attorney will focus on the history of organization and function of a 'safety' team looking for security functions and purpose.
*In Texas the Private Security industry is regulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety - Private Security Bureau.
*A volunteer security patrol made up of church members would generally require licensing under the provisions of Section 1702.108 or 1702.222, regardless of whether any compensation is received as a result of the activities. Source:
http://http://dps.texas.gov/RSD/PSB/Laws/psb_opin_sum.htm *The Concealed Handgun license (CHL) does not allow the licensee to be a part of a team tasked with preserving the peace.
*A church that depends on congregants, some of which possess CHLs, to miraculously execute a justifiable response to a situation requiring the use of force or deadly force to resolve, is wide open to both civil litigation and criminal prosecution on many levels.
*Texas DPS Private Security Opinion Summaries
http://http://dps.texas.gov/RSD/PSB/Laws/psb_opin_sum.htm#*Violation of chapter 1702 occupational code 1st offense is a Class A misdemeanor punishable of not more than 1 year in a county jail and/or a fine of not more than$4,000. Second and subsequent violations are a considered a felony of the 3rd degree. For range of punishments see:
http://http://blog.austindefense.com/2006/10/articles/third-degree-felony-range-of-punishment-texas-penal-code/ *Section 1702.381: CIVIL PENALTY
http://http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/txstatutes/OC/10/1702/P/1702.381*Unauthorized employment – Employer pays
http://http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/txstatutes/OC/10/1702/P/1702.386*For solutions that conform to Texas statutes regarding private security consult Gatekeepers
http://http://www.nocssm.org POC is Chuck Chadwick, President. For the record I am not associated in any way with the business end of Gatekeepers and will neither expect nor accept compensation for suggesting them.