In just one session, participants will gain the skills and confidence to:

• Identify infectious disease threats in field and custody settings.

• Apply proper PPE use and contamination control measures in real-world situations.

• Recognize and respond to emerging hazards such as fentanyl, bloodborne pathogens, and other high-risk contaminants.

• Prevent cross-contamination from the crime scene to patrol cars, stations, and homes.

• Integrate safety practices that protect not only the officer but also their families and communities.

• Contamination & Cross-Contamination Awareness: Recognize how easily evidence can be altered, destroyed, or transferred, and learn methods to prevent it.

• Scene Integrity Protocols: Apply step-by-step practices to preserve fragile evidence while keeping responder and victim safety a priority.

• Immediate Documentation: Capture critical details through notes and photography before the scene changes or evidence is disturbed.

• Situational Awareness: Use Endsley’s three-level model to “read the room,” anticipate threats to evidence, and act deliberately.

• Active Observation & Listening: Strengthen your ability to notice, retain, and report key details that support investigators later.

• Responder Accountability: Understand the importance of documenting everyone on scene so investigators can eliminate innocent DNA, footprints, and prints.

• Interagency Cooperation: Support detectives, crime scene units, and investigators by delivering a scene that maintains the highest evidentiary value possible.

By the end of this 90-minute course, participants will be able to:

1. Define neurodivergence and identify at least five common neurodivergent conditions relevant to first responder encounters.

2. Recognize behavioral and communication traits that may indicate an individual is neurodivergent, distinguishing them from non-compliance, intoxication, or other medical conditions.

3. Identify common environmental and sensory triggers (such as lights, sirens, radios, physical touch, and confinement) that may escalate distress during emergency interactions.

4. Apply practical de-escalation strategies tailored for neurodivergent individuals in high-stress emergency scenes.

5. Demonstrate effective communication techniques to reduce misunderstandings and improve cooperation, including working with caregivers or support persons.

6. Implement transport and custody considerations to minimize risk and discomfort when placing neurodivergent individuals in patrol cars, ambulances, or other confined spaces.

7. Evaluate case study scenarios to determine best practices and lessons learned for improved safety, empathy, and operational outcomes.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Recognize the unique security challenges faced by modern churches.

2. Apply CPTED principles to enhance physical security while preserving a welcoming environment.

3. Identify roles and responsibilities for deacons, ushers, teachers, and worship leaders in emergency scenarios.

4. Implement effective emergency procedures including fire, tornado, and active threat drills.

5. Establish muster points and accountability systems to track attendance during emergencies.

6. Develop clear, printed, and digital emergency instructions for congregants and parents.

7. Learn from real-world case studies to prevent repeating past mistakes.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Define situational awareness and explain its importance for greeters, ushers, nursery workers, and frontline volunteers in faith-based facilities.

2. Recognize baseline behaviors and environmental “normals” within their congregation in order to identify anomalies that may signal potential risks.

3. Identify common safety hazards inside and outside houses of worship (e.g., blocked exits, poor lighting, unattended bags, suspicious activity).

4. Apply best practices for visitor interactions, including how to greet warmly while discreetly monitoring for concerning behavior.

5. Demonstrate effective communication and reporting procedures using clear, plain language, radios, and established chain-of-command protocols.

6. Respond appropriately to emergencies, including medical incidents, severe weather, fire, or security threats, while guiding congregants safely.

7. Practice de-escalation strategies that use respect, calm tone, and body language to defuse tension when engaging with upset or disruptive individuals.

8. Support accountability across the volunteer team by conducting pre-service walkthroughs, documenting incidents, and participating in debriefings.

9. Integrate faith-based values of dignity, stewardship, and hospitality into all aspects of safety and security practices, ensuring both a welcoming and a protected environment.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand foundational principles of safety and de-escalation in faith-based institutions, including duty of care and historical lessons.

2. Recognize psychological triggers and stress responses that influence behavior during conflict.

3. Apply best-practice de-escalation techniques, including active listening, non-verbal communication, boundary-setting, and safe disengagement.

4. Adapt responses to diverse populations, including children, neurodivergent individuals, and those experiencing mental health crises or substance      influence.

5. Maintain situational awareness by identifying early warning signs of conflict and environmental risks.

6. Work effectively as part of a safety team or usher program, with clear roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols.

7. Balance faith-centered compassion with safety needs, ensuring the congregation feels cared for while secure.

8. Respond to custody disputes, protests, or disruptive visitors without escalating tension or endangering others.

9. Engage law enforcement appropriately, document incidents, and understand the legal/ethical considerations of intervention.

10. Strengthen resilience and reduce burnout through self-care, stress management, and spiritual grounding.