Buckeye Reporter

Church safety and security expert, Bob Jewell, has shared his insights on how places of worship should handle concealed carry permissions. According to Jewell, in Ohio, individuals need permission from the church to carry a concealed handgun on church property. He emphasized the importance of churches understanding and following the law, stating, "Even in churches that know the law, I’m told that they suspect a number of people are carrying concealed that have not asked for the church’s permission."

Jewell advised that churches should have clear policies in place for granting permission to carry concealed weapons. He outlined criteria that individuals should meet, including being a member of the church, holding a valid state concealed handgun license, being part of the church's safety/security team, and passing a law enforcement handgun qualification test biannually. He recommended that churches issue a letter granting permission to carry for a limited period once these criteria are met.

Additionally, Jewell stressed the importance of churches having an organized safety/security team with a designated leader and a policy on concealed carry and the use of force. He suggested that this policy should be reviewed with the church's insurer to address any concerns. Jewell also highlighted the value of active or retired law enforcement officers being part of the safety/security team for their expertise in de-escalation techniques and nonlethal force.

For churches with a safety/security team, Jewell recommended informing local law enforcement about the team's existence and establishing communication protocols in case of an incident. He urged church leaders to carefully consider granting individuals permission to carry concealed weapons, noting the potential scrutiny and legal implications in the event of firearm use. Jewell emphasized the importance of having well-defined policies and procedures in place to navigate such situations effectively.

Bob Jewell, a firearms instructor in the Cincinnati area, shared his expertise based on years of experience and training in firearms, self-defense, and legal matters. His insights provide valuable guidance for churches navigating the complexities of concealed carry permissions and ensuring the safety and security of their congregations.