NORTHVILLE TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Congregations across Metro Detroit are rethinking security in the wake of recent violence at places of worship, including a shooting last year at the Grand Blanc Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and an attack earlier this year at Temple Israel.
Northville Township police are now offering free training to help faith communities plan for emergencies before they happen, and respond if they do. The department held free emergency training for community members at Ward Church on Wednesday (June 17) evening.
The class focuses on de-escalation and what to do in an emergency, especially in the critical minutes before officers arrive.
Participants learn how to spot situations that could become volatile, use de-escalation techniques, and understand basic response steps in the event of a crisis.
“I think as a community member, but also somebody from a place of worship, it gives you perspective that we are put in situations too where we have to make that split-second decision, and it’s not an easy thing to do,” said Community Service Officer Andrew Domzalski.
Part of the training uses a scenario-based simulator called MILO, which places people in high-stress situations requiring real-time decisions.
“The MILO system provides a controlled environment. It’s immersive, but it’s controlled, and it allows us to work on our communication, de-escalation, and decision-making skills,” said Mark Adams, the director of safety at Ward Church.
Police and church safety leaders say that having a plan and building relationships with local law enforcement can make a difference.
“If you don’t have a safety team, you kind of need to start there,” Adams said. “But once you have one, that partnership with your local police department is everything. That collaboration, that training that you guys do together, it helps develop good communication between you and the PD.”
“Providing them with the trainings, I think, is one of the best things we could possibly do,” Domzalski said. “Knowledge is power, but understanding what to do in these situations is key.”
Domzalski provides preparedness training for places of worship, schools, and community groups.
His contact information can be found on the Northville Township Police Department website.