Gadsden State Police to Host Free Church Safety & Security Training Conference
Gadsden State Police to Host Free Church Safety and Security Training Conference
Hokes Bluff— The Gadsden State Community College Police and Public Safety Department is partnering with Cross Creek Community Church to host a free Church Safety and Security Training Conference aimed at helping churches strengthen their safety and preparedness efforts.
The conference will take place Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 8 a.m. until noon at Cross Creek Community Church, located at 4825 Highway 278 East in Hokes Bluff.
The event is designed for church leaders, security teams, volunteers, and staff members who want to learn more about improving safety within their congregations.
Led by experienced law enforcement professionals, the hands-on training will cover a variety of important topics including tactical awareness, threat recognition, effective emergency communication, crisis management, evacuation procedures, and use-of-force considerations.
Organizers say the goal of the conference is to help churches proactively prepare for potential safety concerns while maintaining a welcoming and secure environment for their members.
“Serving, protecting, and leading with purpose has always been our mission—and that commitment extends beyond our campuses into the communities we are proud to serve,” said Jay Freeman, Police Chief at Gadsden State Community College.
“Places of worship should remain places of peace, but in today’s world, preparation is essential,” Freeman said. “This training is designed to empower church leaders and volunteers with the knowledge, awareness, and confidence needed to respond effectively in a crisis. We are excited to partner with Cross Creek Community Church to bring this important hands-on training to the region.”
Churches from across the region are encouraged to participate in the training.
Registration for the conference is free, although space may be limited. The deadline to register is May 20, 2026. Those wishing to attend should email crosscreekcc04@gmail.com and include the name of their church and the total number of attendees.
For additional information, contact Chief Freeman at 256-549-8611 or by email at jfreeman@gadsdenstate.edu.
https://weisradio.com/2026/02/20/gadsden-state-police-chief-completes-executive-training/
