Wiggins Police Department prioritizing church security and safety

According to the Family Research Council, attacks on churches and their congregations nearly doubled in 2023 — and this is why the Wiggins Police Department is encouraging their local churches to prioritize safety.

During these security assessments, the Wiggins Police Department will evaluate how churches are keeping their visitors safe.

The Wiggins Police Department also opened a class in April for church officials that cover safety risks in the buildings, creating a security team, and how to protect themselves and the congregation if there is an intruder.

While the department is con

ducting safety assessments in the city, these classes are open to any church that is willing to participate regardless of the city or county.

Deputy Chief Tim Hill says that just because this isn’t a problem in their town, doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be prepared.

“It’s just being proactive, you know. You don’t ever know when something could happen, but we would rather be proactive and have something in place versus someone shows up, shows out, and someone gets hurt. It’s just the right thing to do,” Hill said.

Deputy Chief Hill says the department is working towards another class in August if any congregations would like to join.