| St. Thomas Becket

|||

Facebook Instagram YouTube Phone Email

Numbers, Numbers, Numbers

Why all the numbers on the windows and doors
- Days after the shooting at Annunciation School Church, I felt it was necessary to look at safety procedures as
  many other churches and school were doing.
  
  We had the Eagan Police Department come and do a walkthrough of our facility to help identify issues
  regarding safety that we have done well and areas to consider improving. I created a Safety and Security team to
  help me. This group included a combination of staff and parishioners that volunteered to offer their expertise in
  areas that fit our needs. Some of the items that were discussed and either have been completed or are in the
  process of completing.
  
  Include the following:
  We have a total of fourteen cameras, 5 that give between 2-4 different views per camera for a total of
  twenty-six areas to view both inside and outside the building, including the parking lots.
  Locks have been installed on all of the internal office doors as well as in all of the classrooms.
  Additional recommendations from the Eagan PD include thinking about who will monitor the cameras.
  Discussion to have “Monitors” for the building during Mass times and during Faith Formation Classes.
  Monitors will be parishioners who volunteer and are trained to observe those who are coming and going.
  A Monitor Procedure has been drafted
  
  As recommended by the Police Department, all windows and doors have been numbered to assist them
  if an emergency call is made. This will give the caller a number to relay to the departments to help them
  locate the emergency quickly. Eagan Police and Fire Departments will return to look at our
  improvements and recommend anything else that is needed.
  
  Items to still be addressed:
  Asking for volunteers to be “Monitors”
  Create an app to be on each Monitor’s phone to be used for security
  Install a secure door for the main office, a camera above the door, a designated monitor at the front desk and a
  buzzer to let people enter
  Documented procedures for fire, tornadoes, medical emergencies and lockdowns.
  
  We made the decision to not lock entrance doors after Mass has started. Doors will remain open during all
  Masses. However, the doors will remain locked unless there is a meeting in the building after office hours.
  We have installed a system that allows us to program the front and back entrance doors to unlock and lock at
  specific times.
  
  As a community, we provide a welcoming environment. With our new security measures, our goal is to also
  provide a safe community where each is called to love, serve and be hope.
  
  Peace,
  Fr. Tim