Getting Security Upgrades Installed and Funded

By Zalman Myer-Smith, Director of the Community Security Organization

As we approach the imminent announcement for applications for the 2021 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Grant, preparations are underway to ensure Jewish synagogues, shuls, Chabad centers and community centers take full advantage of this funding opportunity.

In the previous article on COLlive.com, it was identified that the first critical step is to get a security assessment by law enforcement or a licensed security professional for your location. The main reason for facilitating a security assessment is to be cognizant of the weak points of your site and to be able to identify upgrades needed to mitigate those weaknesses and protocols that need to be implemented to ensure safe and secure operations.

The DHS Grant allows for some of the following items: Impact resistant doors and windows, Alarm systems, Security camera systems, Fences and gates, Access control (locks and key fobs) and in recent years also pays for contracted security.

This is not an exhaustive list and a consultation can best guide you on other options and how to prioritize this list.

Without delving too deeply into security protocols and best practices, it can be stated that solid protective security starts on the exterior. Utilizing the 4D system of Deter, Detect, Delay, and Defend, your security assessment is an all-encompassing plan of action for all security and medical emergency contingencies.

1) We deter using signage, lighting, fences, barriers, and physical security volunteers or contracted security.

2) We detect using lighting, cameras, etc.

3) We delay with doors, access control, lockdown devices, and barriers

4) We defend with trained security volunteers, contracted security, and regular staff who have been through security exercises and planning.

The goal is to ensure that you identify and request the most effective series of security improvements for your site and that you also have the highest chance of being awarded the grant. The DHS Grant is highly competitive, tens of thousands of sites are applying, and not every application is successful.

My personal goal is that, IYH, every Jewish site, particularly Chabad locations, apply for and succeed in being awarded this grant. The threats to the Jewish community have never been higher and this grant is a financial boon to ensuring that Shuls, schools, and community centers get security improvements that they otherwise might not be able to afford.

We work with leading highly recommended grant writers who are specialists in this particular grant and have an exceptionally high success rate.

For a free consultation, visit www.JewishCommunityGrants.com