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How to Think About House of Worship Security: A Guide for Faith Leaders and Security Directors

This guide provides a practical framework for building an effective house of worship security program that protects congregants without compromising a welcoming environment. It outlines how faith leaders and security teams can start by assessing their institution’s unique threat profile, then align the appropriate level of security. Read our full series on security in religious institutions to learn more.

The Value of Off-Duty Law Enforcement for Houses of Worship

Image of a police car outside of a church

This article explains why many houses of worship are reevaluating their security approach as threats become more targeted and severe. It highlights how off-duty law enforcement provides a higher level of deterrence, authority and situational awareness compared to traditional or volunteer-based security models.

AI, Accountability and the Next Phase of Security: Reflections from ISC West 2026

Protos Security team at ISC West trade show booth

Protos recently attended ISC West 2026. While we were there, we noticed a shift in the security industry, where AI is no longer a differentiator but an expectation, and the focus is now on real-world results, not just features. Read our full article by Katie Irvine, Director of Product Marketing, to learn more about the latest trends we saw at the show.

In a More Automated World, How Do CFOs Think About Succession Planning? CFO Peer Audit

Featured in a recent CFO.com article, Protos Security CFO Tony Escamilla highlights how modern succession planning goes beyond simply filling roles. By rotating employees through different finance functions, he emphasizes building well-rounded, engaged team members who are constantly learning and less likely to leave. Learn more in the full interview.

Why Off-Duty Law Enforcement Works So Well in Religious Settings

image of Female police officer in a church hallway

Security outcomes are shaped not only by coverage and data but by the psychology of safety, how employees and customers perceive their environment, the credibility of the security presence and the quality of interactions during tense situations. Read our full blog series about the psychology of safety in workplaces and communities.

Protecting Houses of Worship Without Turning Them into Fortresses

Houses of worship face a unique challenge: how to stay open and welcoming while addressing real security threats. This article explores why traditional approaches often fall short and how off-duty law enforcement offers a more balanced solution, combining behavioral expertise with community familiarity.

Protos
Headquarters

383 Main Ave, Suite 505
Norwalk, CT 06851, USA
Phone: 203.941.4700

Protos
Headquarters

383 Main Ave, Suite 505
Norwalk, CT 06851, USA
Phone: 203.941.4700

Mark Hjelle

Chief Executive Officer

Mark Hjelle is the CEO of Security Services Holdings, LLC as well as Protos Security and its subsidiaries. Mark is an experienced Chief Executive Officer and Board Member who has led large national business and facilities services firms for nearly 25 years delivering strong top- and bottom-line growth while building high-performing teams with strong culture. Most recently, he was CEO for CSC ServiceWorks, a B2B2C provider of technology-enabled consumer services. Prior to CSC, Mark was President of Brickman/Valleycrest a national provider of exterior landscape and snow removal services. Over the course of his 18-year tenure at Brickman, he held numerous leadership positions in operations, finance and business development. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from The Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania Fels Institute of Government and a Law Degree from Case Western Reserve School of Law.