You can get gifts although not love. You may pretend smile and not happiness. You can deceive others however, not to yourself. You might have another friend and not as cute like me! …

http://www.formstack.com/

A couple of risk managment tips for a beginning security team/ministry utilizing armed personnel:

1. Don’t use the term security, protection, etc. Refer to those people involved as church monitors, facility assistants, etc.
2. Their mission should be in writing, and should list as duties things such as:
a. Directional information
b. Helping people who are lost
c. Facilitating seating of worshippers
d. Parking control
e. etc.

The fact that your people are off duty or retired LEO’s should be only discreetly discussed. They are NOT security personnel and should not be referred to as such. Whether they are carrying concealed weapons is their business and unless there is a prohibition on that, it is a practice that is not required or discussed among church elders or administration.

As you get a more formal service in place, then you will probably need to codify it via a written policy, insurance, licensing, risk management analysis, etc. Remember, in many states once you establish any “security” unit, subdivision, organization, etc. especially if armed, the personnel may be required to be licensed as “security officers” even if they are police officers.

I do alot of consulting with govt., private and entertainment industry organizations on security matters. I have over 29 years of law enforcement experience in the most regulated state in the country. OK to ask questions.