MICHAEL S. ELERICK
President | Public Safety Training LLC | Church Security-101
Michael@ChurchSecurity-101.com | www.ChurchSecurity-101.com
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Retired law enforcement Special Operations Commander and nationally recognized instructor with more than three decades of experience in public safety, risk management, and tactical operations.
As President of Public Safety Training LLC and Church Security-101, I’ve dedicated both my pre- and post-law-enforcement career to training churches and faith-based organizations in safety, security, and emergency preparedness — helping them protect their congregations while maintaining a spirit of compassion, calm, and faith.
Author of several published resources on church safety, security, and emergency response, I’ve trained pastors, church leaders, and volunteers across the United States, equipping them to build teams that are both spiritually grounded and operationally capable.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Church Safety & Security
- Church Safety Team Development
- Emergency Preparedness & Planning
- Risk Management & Hazard Mitigation
- Threat Assessment & Violence Prevention
- Tactical Decision-Making & Incident Command
- Volunteer Training & Leadership Development
- Use of Force Policy & Legal Compliance
- Critical Incident Response | Active Threat Response
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
President / Lead Instructor
Public Safety Training LLC | Church Security-101
(2023–Present)
- Developed and taught church safety and security training courses and seminars nationwide for faith-based and ministry organizations.
- Authored multiple field guides including Church Security & Safety 101, Emergency Preparedness for Church Volunteers, Church Security Team Development, and Church Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
- Conduct regional instructor-led and scenario-based training programs designed to prepare teams for real-world emergencies.
- Advise pastors and church leaders on risk management, liability, and legal compliance for armed and unarmed church safety teams.
- Creator of the “Training Spotlight – Mind Games” series, a scenario-based program used by churches nationwide.
Executive Director
Public Safety Training Institute (Nonprofit)
(2010–2020)
- Directed and developed curriculum for public safety training programs in law enforcement, fire, and EMS.
- Designed and delivered safety and security courses for government, private sector, and faith-based organizations.
- Managed course certification processes through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- Coordinated grant funding, interagency partnerships, and regional training initiatives.
- Developed Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) for government agencies, community colleges, and faith-based organizations.
Law Enforcement Career (Retired)
Special Operations Commander / SWAT Commander
(1988–2015)
- Served over 26 years in law enforcement, including leadership in tactical operations, investigations, and crisis management.
- Developed operational protocols for high-risk response, active shooter events, and crisis negotiation.
- Authored and implemented SWAT / Sniper / Hostage Negotiations Policy & Procedures Manual.
- Served multiple terms on the California Peace Officers Association Board of Directors.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
- B.A. Business Management, Saint Mary’s College
- Certified Law Enforcement Instructor, California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)
- POST Management Certificate #28118
- FEMA Emergency Management Institute, various ICS/NIMS Certifications
LAW ENFORCEMENT INSTRUCTOR EXPERIENCE (Courses Instructed)
- Role of Supervisor
- Critical Incident Response – Law Enforcement Supervisor/Manager
- Critical Incident Response – Law Enforcement Field Officer
- Tactical Response to School/Community Violence (Active Shooter)
- School Violence & the Active Shooter
- Tactical Liability
FAITH-BASED INSTRUCTOR EXPERIENCE (Courses Instructed)
- Church Safety & Security 101
- Church Safety Team Development
- Church Violence & Active Threat Response Protocols
- Conflict De-Escalation
- Children’s Ministry Best Practices
- Emergency Preparedness for Church Volunteers
- Church Violence Prevention Program
PUBLISHED WORKS
- Church Safety & Security 101
- Church Security Team Development
- Church Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
- Emergency Preparedness for Church Volunteers
DIGITAL WORKS
- Church Security-101 BLOG – Author of many church safety and security articles.
- Mind Games – Creator of a weekly “Scenario-Based Training” synopsis for church safety teams and subscribers.
FAITH & MISSION
Guided by the call of Nehemiah 4:14, I believe the mission of church safety and security is not fear – but faith in action. My goal is to help ministries create environments where worship can thrive without worry, and where protection is viewed as a form of service and stewardship to God’s people.
