Church holds active shooter training
CONYERS, Ga. - A Rockdale County church is taking a proactive approach to concerns over an armed gunman entering the building, by inviting Conyers Police to hold active shooter training inside Springfield Baptist Church.
"You have a right to defend yourself. And churches have a right to defend people that come in their doors," Sergeant Greg Carson said.
Carson is conducting active shooter training sessions with several other churches in Rockdale County.
The police department is offering training sessions and classes to schools, businesses and churches.
"You turn on the news and you see mass shootings everywhere. And a church is not exempt," Minister Arthur Mitchell of Springfield Baptist Church said.
The congregation already has security protocol for an active shooter, but wanted to inform more members of what to do in a frightening scenario. Assistant Police Chief Almond Turner of the city of Covington is a member and the head of the church's security team.
Police also advise churches to develop an emergency plan.
Conyers officers will soon hold an active shooter drill inside Springfield Baptist Church.