Think About it -- A Somber Reflection of Our Vulnerabilities

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In 2022, the church security world felt the brutal murder of one of our own in Albuquerque, NM. Church Security operator Daniel Bourne was killed by a man who ran him down in a truck as Bourne was patrolling the parking lot of the Calvary Chapel Church in Albuquerque, NM. Evidence quickly led authorities to a local man by the name of Marc Ward.

The trial of Marc Ward started this week and will continue into next week.

BNN Breaking journalist, Muhammad Jawad wrote of the trial,

As the trial progresses, it serves as a somber reflection on the vulnerabilities faced by individuals tasked with ensuring the safety of communal spaces. The case against Marc Ward, with its mix of direct and circumstantial evidence, underscores the complexities involved in achieving justice. Whether through a conviction or acquittal, the outcome of this trial will undoubtedly have lasting implications for the Albuquerque community and beyond, prompting a deeper examination of the measures needed to protect those who dedicate themselves to the safety of others.[i]

Jawad captured one of many realities of church security operations.

Everything you do could end up at the mercy of a jury. The outcome will not only affect you (and perhaps your surviving family, as is this case), but will have lasting implications applicable to all those who dedicate themselves to the safety of others.

When you watch any trial, consider one stark reality of the courtroom. As a jury hears compelling narratives from strangers in front of them, the only ones of those strangers not required to tell the truth, are the attorneys themselves. 

You will never see an attorney lay his hand on the bible and swear to tell the truth. They don’t have to. 

 

Think About it

The potential of a trial, related to their actions, with all the realities of the courtroom, are trained into law-enforcement officers of any agency. All 50 states have their own version of “Pattern Jury Instructions.” Some agencies make their state’s version a required reading for new officers.

That church wants God’s will (which is always truth). I believe truth will prevail in this case due to the kind of man Daniel Bourne was, and the effective security program of the church.

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