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Security for Holy Places: How to Build a Security Plan for Your Church, Synagogue, Mosque, or Temple Kindle Edition
While focused on houses of worship (and schools and centers connected to them), the guide also provides important information on securing religious summer camps and its guidance can be used for any faith-based organization, senior center, day care, or school.
The book includes chapters on:
- overall threat
- types of weapons used by intruders
- perimeter and inside security
- where to get professional help
- how to build a security plan
- what to know when hiring guards
- armed versus unarmed guards & volunteers
- gun laws
- mental health issues
- how to use volunteers effectively to strengthen security
- information on technology that can strengthen the protection of holy places and their immediate surroundings
- security for day and overnight camps
- guidance on how to organize security committees to strengthen security
- checklists for congregations and camps to use immediately
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Editorial Reviews
Review
No Rabbi leading a synagogue, no Priest or Minister responsible for keeping a church, no Nun responsible for care of a school building, no Imam caring for a mosque, and no big city or small town mayor should be without the information that this book provides. . . And given the great number of holy places in Europe and the Middle East, this book should be mandatory reading for every European and Middle East security official responsible for endurance of said holy sites.
--Marvin Leibstone, Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.). Editor and Publisher, World Affairs Notebook, former North America Editor in Chief, Military Technology Magazine and Nations Magazine.
About the Author
Product details
- ASIN : B085934L9T
- Publisher : Morgan James Faith (March 3, 2020)
- Publication date : March 3, 2020
- Language : English
- File size : 3.7 MB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 225 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #409,292 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Introducing Dr. Stephen Bryen, an extraordinary figure with a trailblazing career spanning 50 years in both government and industry. Prepare to embark on an exhilarating journey through the captivating life of a man who has held pivotal roles and spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives at the highest levels of power and influence.
Dr. Bryen's storied career began as a senior staff director of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he honed his expertise in international affairs. From there, his indomitable spirit led him to become the Executive Director of a grassroots political organization, amplifying the voices of the people and effecting real change.
Recognized as a true visionary, he then took the helm of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs, fearlessly navigating the complex landscape of national security.
But Dr. Bryen's journey was far from over. He went on to make an indelible mark on the defense sector as the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Trade Security Policy and the founder and first director of the Defense Technology Security Administration. With unwavering determination, he advanced the cause of safeguarding sensitive technologies and ensuring their protection from enemies and even questionable allies.
Renowned journalist Morley Safer aptly described him as the "Pentagon's top cop," entrusted with the critical task of preserving the nation's technological edge.
Fueling his passion for innovation and entrepreneurship, Dr. Bryen ventured into the private sector as the President of Delta Tech Inc. and the President of Finmeccanica North America.
His strategic acumen and unparalleled expertise positioned him as a sought-after leader in Washington, D.C., and beyond.
Notably, his outstanding contributions earned him the highest civilian awards from the U.S. Defense Department on two separate occasions, an exceptional honor reserved for the elite few who have truly excelled.
Beyond his remarkable professional achievements, Dr. Bryen's intellectual prowess has captured the attention of readers worldwide. As a prolific author, he has penned five books that delve into the realms of technology, policy, and strategy. His groundbreaking study, Technology Security and National Power: Winners and Losers, delves into critical strategic and defense issues, unraveling the complexities of technology transfers, proliferation, and weapons procurement.
Immersing oneself in Dr. Bryen's world means embracing an insatiable appetite for knowledge and an unyielding commitment to excellence.
Through his popular blog, Weapons and Strategy on Substack, decision-makers in government, the military, and industry have found a trusted resource and a beacon of guidance. His wisdom transcends borders as he shares his perspectives through prominent publications like Asia Times, Epoch Times, American Thinker and Newsweek.
Dr. Bryen's dedication to the preservation of sacred spaces has led him to author a compelling book on security for religious organizations titled Security for Holy Places.
Described as the "Yoda of the arms trade" by Eileen Shannon of Time Magazine, Dr. Bryen's influence extends far beyond his official roles. His indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to demanding more from our allies have garnered the support and admiration of influential figures like Henry Kissinger and the late U.S. Senator John Heinz. From the halls of power to the pages of esteemed publications, his words resonate with readers and continue to shape the narratives surrounding global security.
As you embark on the pages of Dr. Stephen Bryen's remarkable life, prepare to be captivated by a true maverick, a beacon of knowledge, and a transformative force in the realms of technology, policy, and strategy. His journey is an awe-inspiring testament to the potential of human determination and the far-reaching impact of an unwavering commitment to excellence.
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Before your Synagogue is attacked read Security for Holy Places
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2020Violence and unrest – is there nothing else on television? The news these days is dominated by images of cities in various states of unrest, riots and often buildings being burned. More often than we would like to admit that violence and unrest intrudes on places we have always thought of as refuges, places of safety from the violence of daily lives, our places of worship. Cases of attacks against places of worship, including church schools and camps, have occurred here and around the world. What are we to do? Dr. Steve Bryen has spent his life involved in security at many levels. In his recent book, Security of Holy Places, Steve guides both clergy and lay leaders through the thinking of security, developing a plan and implementing a solution that balances security with the sanctity associated with these sacred places. I highly recommend this book to leaders in any religious community.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2020After the deadly attacks in Pittsburgh and Poway and eruption of anti-Semitic vandalism across America, Jewish and other houses of worship needed a guide for leaders perplexed about providing security for their congregations. As a synagogue President we were blessed to find Stephen Bryen’s Security for Holy Places. It is a commonsense guide to planning and identifying resources to assist boards vitally concerned about protecting against security threats and sources of funding. Security for Holy Places checked all the boxes for local, state, and national resources to identify security threats, devise grants and procure security services. You would be well advised to obtain copies of Security for Holy Places as mandatory reading for staff and lay leaders on security threats and the available means and funding for protecting lives and properties.
Jerome B. Gordon
President
B’nai Israel Synagogue
Pensacola, Florida
5.0 out of 5 starsAfter the deadly attacks in Pittsburgh and Poway and eruption of anti-Semitic vandalism across America, Jewish and other houses of worship needed a guide for leaders perplexed about providing security for their congregations. As a synagogue President we were blessed to find Stephen Bryen’s Security for Holy Places. It is a commonsense guide to planning and identifying resources to assist boards vitally concerned about protecting against security threats and sources of funding. Security for Holy Places checked all the boxes for local, state, and national resources to identify security threats, devise grants and procure security services. You would be well advised to obtain copies of Security for Holy Places as mandatory reading for staff and lay leaders on security threats and the available means and funding for protecting lives and properties.Before your Synagogue is attacked read Security for Holy Places
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2020
Jerome B. Gordon
President
B’nai Israel Synagogue
Pensacola, Florida
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2020Given 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 free online 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.
Howard Ady
US Navy Veteran
Defense Corporate Executive
Episcopalian
- Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2020Today more than ever violent attacks against holy places are, unfortunately, becoming frequent events. If one does not comprehend the threat and vulnerability of any location then that location is at the mercy of the miscreant or terrorist. Having been in the space for many years I appreciate what Steve gives to the reader with his knowledge and advice in this book. This narrative is a big assist for congregations everywhere. Security for any establishment, but especially a "holy place" should never be taken for granted. Take the time, be prepared, read the book. Thanks Dr. Bryen.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2020This is an indispensable tool for anyone who cares about security in public spaces, especially but not exclusively in places of worship. The author, a former high-level Pentagon official whose expertise ranges from cyber-security to political theory and weapons technology, has written an invaluable handbook, taking into account some of the most recent advances in security. Concise, user-friendly, and insightful, it should be standard issue in every synagogue, church, mosque, and AA meeting place.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2020Some books that touch on difficult subjects are still very important. Stephen Bryen’s book, Security in Holy Places is one of these. Direct, up-front, and informative, the book provides valuable hands-on advice that may save life and property. If a priest, minister, rabbi, and imam walk into a restaurant, they should spend their time talking about this book. It’s no joke.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2020Dr. Bryen's book is an essential guidebook for all religious institutions in the U.S. and worldwide, large and small. His insights and advice can pre-empt and prevent security breaches, as well as terrorist and hate crimes, during these troubled times. The time to act is now.
Phyllis Kaminsky, International Consultant