SB 1454 - The New Standard for Church Security
What is SB 1454?
SB 1454 is a California law that ended the long-standing exemption that allowed nonprofits, including churches, to operate outside of BSIS oversight when using security personnel. Because this exemption has been removed, ministries must now follow the same rules as any other organization that performs security operations.
What does this mean for my ministry?
The end of the nonprofit exemption means your ministry now needs to take a closer look at how it defines and uses security personnel. If your church pays individuals to perform security duties, those individuals may now fall under BSIS regulations, which require the church to operate as a registered Private Proprietary Security Employer (PSE) and follow the same security oversight rules as any other organization.
While volunteers are not directly regulated by the statute, churches should still make thoughtful decisions about how these individuals are screened, trained and supported as part of broader security efforts.
In short, ministries now carry a higher level of responsibility for how security roles are structured, supervised, and documented.
How does Shepherd 360 help with SB 1454?
Shepherd 360 supports ministries as they navigate the new requirements created by SB 1454.
Training
HALO is a structured training program that equips every role involved in church safety with the skills appropriate to their responsibilities. It begins with essential training for volunteers and ministry staff who support safety efforts in an unarmed capacity. It then provides formal unarmed training for individuals who serve in defined security roles where additional preparation is needed.
For churches that authorize armed personnel or employ professional security staff, HALO includes advanced firearms and operational training delivered through trusted partners. Each level is designed around real ministry environments so your team receives training that reflects the work they actually do.
3rd Party Private Patrol Operator (PPO) Services
When your ministry chooses to use armed security, consider a PPO partnership with Shepherd 360. As a registered Private Patrol Operator, our security guards are trained, vetted, and state-authorized armed professionals who can serve in roles that volunteers or ministry staff are often not equipped or permitted to fulfill.
This option allows churches to address higher security needs without relying on internal personnel to carry firearms or navigate the complex requirements of becoming a PPO themselves.
