Law enforcement responded Thursday to recent attacks in places of worship and other areas of mass gatherings with an emergency training for faith based communities in the Indianapolis metropolitan area.
Local groups partnered with national organization One Congregation One Precinct (OneCOP) to plan this weekend's training. OneCOP leader Rev. Markel Hutchins says places of worship are especially vulnerable because they are a regular meeting place for large groups.
“Those seeking to inflict harm often perceive houses of worship as attractive targets where they can wreak havoc, exact mass casualties, cause psychological devastation among citizens and get extensive media attention all at the same time,” Hutchins says.
Hutchins says that it is important for people to be proactive and prepared for all different types of emergency situations.
Local, state and federal law enforcement will conduct the training with OneCOP Sunday at the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation.
The training is free and open to all clergy and congregational security in the area.
