Securing Places of Worship: Identifying Threats and Vulnerabilities

• In Event: Guns and Places: Victimization Threats and Vulnerabilities

Abstract

Public spaces represent high-risk areas in the context of criminal activities as well as natural disasters. Places of worship - due to their open nature and public character, together with their symbolic value - represent ideal targets for violent or hate crimes (religiously or politically motivated). Likewise, they suffer daily from several other security threats, either man-made (e.g., vandalism, thefts) or natural (e.g., natural disasters, pandemics such as COVID-19). In this paper, we present a typology of threats (man-made, natural, and hybrid) and vulnerabilities facing places of worship, drawing on input from a network of religious communities, law enforcement agencies, and public authorities. This analysis is based on preliminary findings from the EU co-funded project SHRINEs. By identifying the key threats and vulnerabilities affecting places of worship, this study aims to provide a framework for developing effective strategies to enhance their security and resilience.

Authors

• Marco Dugato, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Transcrime

• Carlotta Carbone, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Transcrime