The First Comprehensive Security Guide for Churches,Synagogues, Mosques and Temples - Including How to Get Financial Help
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Stephen D. Bryen
"Dr. Stephen Bryen is a Renaissance man in matters of strategy and military technology. In this new book he again shows his deep knowledge of the issues, exhaustive knowledge of sources and sensitivity to the human factor in tactical situations. It is a must-read for anyone concerned with countering terror against holy places."
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--David P. Goldman, Wax Family Fellow at the Middle East Forum, a Senior Fellow at the London Center for Policy Research, and a member of the Board of Advisers of Sino-Israel Government Network and Academic Leadership
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​Security for Holy Places is the book I have been looking for over two years. The book is impressive with its level of depth and background and gives excellent advice on how to proceed to make one's congregation a safer place. It is well organized and most helpful. I recommend that every leader of holy congregations read this book, take it to heart, and put it into practice.
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--M.A. Golden, Security Consultant
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Security for Holy Places is aimed at helping religious organizations deal with threats to their places of worship.
This book is intended to be a practical guide, and provides important information on how to deal with threats.
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This book by Stephen Bryen is a great book to read and a very useful guide for clergy and security experts or even lay persons who are concerned about security in holy places and areas of worship. Violent attacks and intrusions against holy places have increased and are growing. Stephen’s style of writing is very clear and easy to follow up. I have recommended the book to many of the local religious establishments here in London and I certainly recommend it strongly to all those concerned about improving security arrangements in these establishments.
--Dr Goran Talabani
It is the first comprehensive security guide for religious associations and organizations.
While focused on houses of worship (and schools and centers connected to them), the guide also provides important information on securing religious summer camps.
The book includes chapters on the overall threat, types of weapons uses by intruders, perimeter and inside security, where to get professional help, how to build a security plan, what to know when hiring guards, how to use volunteers effectively to strengthen security, information on technology that can strengthen the protection of holy places and their immediate surroundings, and guidance on how to organize security committees to strengthen security.
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Steve Bryen’s newest book, Security for Holy Places, is a timely, insightful and informative read. Understanding the threats and identifying vulnerable situations is a must in today’s world. Lay leadership needs to be in intimately involved in this process. Prayer alone will not protect sacred places in 2019 and beyond. I strongly endorse Steve’s work.
--Tom Malatesta, Blue Taurus Partnership
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The book provides convenient checklists and do's and don'ts and many guidelines.
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Security for Holy Places provides important information on where and how to get financial help for congregations that are under threat and lack the means to purchase security equipment and hire professional guards.
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Given the increasing numbers of armed attacks on US religious groups it is imperative for religious leaders to develop plans to meet these threats.
Dr. Bryen’s book, Security for Holy Places, is replete with examples of actual security breeches and how his recommended security planning solutions could have stopped or mitigated loss of life.
Congregation leaders who have yet to act must now “plan the plan” and implement their plan with the minimum essential resources necessary to protect their members.
Dr. Bryen has been engaged in a lifetime of national and international physical and technological security policy planning to inform this timely security contribution. I encourage congregation leaders and members to read this book, then create and implement their unique plan today.
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--Howard Ady, Defense Corporate Executive and Episcopalian
Security for Holy Places will be available in bookstores and electronically later this year. Review copies can be obtained by request (use the contact page).
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ENDORSEMENTS
During this critical time in our Nation's history, {Dr. Bryen has] made lasting contributions to our national defense that have earned you the respect and admiration of your colleagues and the gratitude of all Americans. My heartfelt thanks for a job well done. God Bless you.
Ronald Reagan
Dr. Stephen Bryen has provided an invaluable service to synagogues and houses of worship around the world. He brings enormous expertise and brilliance to this incredibly important subject. I highly recommend that all congregations make use of his recommendations.
Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld
When the subject is technology security, America's 'resource of choice' should be Stephen Bryen. Whether in uniform or in industry, whether in government or in the loyal opposition, the entire Bryen family has been one of the most potent ‘weapons’ in our intellectual arsenal.”
Major General Larry Taylor, USMCR (retired)
Steve Bryen should be declared a national resource.
Ken Timmerman, Author
Bryen’s clear and lucid prose renders even highly technical material accessible to the general reader.
Juliana Pilon, Author