Safety and Security Policy

For Jehovah Saints Homeless Shelters

Purpose

Jehovah Saints Homeless Shelters are committed to providing a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all guests, staff, and volunteers. This Safety and Security Policy outlines the measures and procedures in place to protect individuals, property, and the overall well-being of the shelter community.

Policy Statement

The safety and security of all individuals within Jehovah Saints Homeless Shelters are of utmost importance. We are dedicated to maintaining a space that is free from harm, violence, and other risks by implementing proactive safety measures, clear procedures, and consistent enforcement of rules and protocols.

Scope

This policy applies to all guests, staff, volunteers, visitors, and contractors at Jehovah Saints Homeless Shelters.

Safety and Security Measures

1. Entry and Exit Monitoring

All individuals entering or exiting the shelter must check in and out at designated entry points.
Guests, staff, and visitors may be required to present identification upon entry.
Unauthorized individuals are not permitted on shelter property.

2. Visitor Policy

Visitors must register at the front desk and may only access approved areas of the shelter.
Visiting hours and rules will be clearly posted and enforced.

3. Prohibited Items

To ensure safety, the following items are prohibited on shelter property:

Weapons of any kind.
Illegal substances, including drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Alcohol.
Explosives or flammable materials.
Staff may conduct bag checks or inspections when necessary to enforce this policy.

4. Emergency Preparedness

Fire Safety:
- Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and evacuation maps are installed and maintained in all areas.
- Regular fire drills will be conducted to ensure preparedness.
Medical Emergencies:
- First aid kits are available on-site.
- Staff are trained in basic first aid and CPR.
- Emergency contact numbers are posted prominently.
Natural Disasters:
- Emergency plans for natural disasters (e.g., storms, earthquakes) are in place and reviewed regularly.

5. Violence Prevention

Acts of violence, threats, or harassment are strictly prohibited.
Any individual engaging in violent behavior will be subject to immediate removal from the shelter and, if necessary, law enforcement will be contacted.

6. Staff Training

All staff and volunteers will receive regular training on safety and security protocols, including:
- Conflict de-escalation techniques.
- Emergency response procedures.
- Recognizing and addressing potential safety risks.

7. Surveillance and Lighting

Security cameras are installed in common areas to monitor activity and deter misconduct.
Adequate lighting is maintained inside and outside the shelter to enhance visibility and safety.

8. Reporting Incidents

Guests, staff, and volunteers are encouraged to report any safety or security concerns immediately to shelter management.
An incident report form will be completed for all reported safety concerns, and appropriate actions will be taken.

Rules for Guests

To maintain a safe and secure environment, all guests are expected to:

Follow shelter rules and policies.
Treat others with respect and refrain from violent or disruptive behavior.
Report any suspicious activity or safety concerns to staff.
Comply with staff instructions during emergencies or drills.

Failure to comply with these rules may result in warnings, restricted access to services, or discharge from the shelter.

Response to Security Incidents

1. Minor Incidents

Minor incidents, such as disputes or rule violations, will be addressed through mediation or warnings by staff.

2. Major Incidents

Serious incidents, such as violence, theft, or possession of prohibited items, will result in immediate intervention.
If necessary, law enforcement will be contacted, and the individual(s) involved may be discharged from the shelter.

3. Follow-Up

After any incident, shelter management will review the situation, document the events, and implement any necessary changes to prevent future occurrences.

Confidentiality

All safety and security-related incidents will be handled with confidentiality. Information will only be shared with authorized personnel or external agencies as required by law.

Policy Review

This Safety and Security Policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, up-to-date, and aligned with best practices for shelter operations.

By implementing this Safety and Security Policy, Jehovah Saints Homeless Shelters aim to create a safe, secure, and respectful environment where all individuals can find refuge and support during times of need.