Key takeaways

  • A church security camera system will deter crime and keep your congregation safe.
  • Churches are legally allowed to have security cameras – but you should keep your worshippers up-to-date with signage letting them know about your security system.

 

A church like this needs a church security camera system.

 

Security cameras are one of the top security tools for multifamily properties, commercial businesses, and single-family homes. Churches are no exception. Every church security plan should include a church security camera system.

In this post, we’ll review why churches can benefit from a security camera system. Next, we’ll tell you about the best church cameras to buy and how to install them. Finally, we’ll provide an overview of security technology that pairs best with a church surveillance camera system.

This post covers:

 

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Why do churches need a security camera system?

There are approximately 350,000 religious congregations in the United States. As a result, a high number of users can result in increased security risks and concerns at your property. It’s your responsibility to keep your congregation safe, and we believe that a security camera is an excellent starting point.

A church security camera system allows you to:

  • Ensure that worshippers feel safe
  • Deter crime
  • Help identify criminals or suspects
  • Protect church property and staff

 

What is the best church security camera system?

The best church camera system is ButterflyMX.

Combined with our Access Control System, you can depend on ButterflyMX Security Cameras to maximize your property’s safety while making access simpler and more convenient.

ButterflyMX’s Security Cameras have features like:

  • Multiple camera options. Choose between our Bullet and Dome Cameras to fully secure every area of your property.
  • Enhanced durability. Our cameras are rated for dust, weather, and impact resistance – ensuring that your church will stay protected against severe weather and vandalism attempts.
  • 24/7 coverage. Many other security systems usually only record when motion is detected and switch over to HD after motion is detected. In contrast, ButterflyMX provides more security and helps you miss fewer details by recording in HD all the time.
    Integrations. With the help of our Access Control System, you can use Security Cameras alongside other access control hardware and manage access across your entire property with one dashboard.

 

Learn how ButterflyMX works:

 

Church camera system FAQs

 

Should churches have security cameras?

Yes, churches should have security cameras. As with any building that receives many visitors, a security camera will help keep people safe.

 

How much do church security camera systems cost?

Church security camera systems cost between $150 and $3,000. The type of camera system you choose plays a big role in the cost. A bigger camera system with more in-depth features will cost more. Additionally, installation can cost upwards of $1,000.

 

Is it illegal to film inside a church?

It depends on local laws and regulations. No matter what, it does affect privacy of the members of your congregation. So, after installing surveillance cameras, you should publicly update your church’s security camera policy and post appropriate signage to inform people they are being filmed.

 

Are churches allowed to have cameras?

Yes, churches are allowed to have cameras. Churches can film and record as deemed necessary. Worshippers are not entitled to privacy when they attend church. However, it’s important to ensure that anybody who enters your church knows they may be on camera.

 

Where should security cameras be placed in a church?

You should place church security cameras in high-traffic areas and in places where you store valuables or information.

Whether you have wired or wireless security cameras for churches, they will all be placed in the same general locations.

Your security cameras should be installed:

  • At all entranceways
  • Outside of amenity spaces
  • Outside of staff-only areas such as a bell tower
  • Within parking facilities

 

How to install a church security camera system

Most religious institutions, including churches, are considered commercial properties. So, when looking for a professional installer to install your security camera system, look for an installer with experience in business security camera installation. Professionals will not only install your cameras quickly and efficiently, but they will also know where to install your cameras in order to best keep your property safe.

Factors you will want to consider when installing your camera system:

  • Lighting. Churches aren’t always well-lit. An area with more light will allow your cameras to function properly, even if they have night vision.
  • Integrations. If you have other security systems, you must ensure your camera setup does not interfere with them. For example, cameras that move independently could trigger other motion sensor devices.
  • Obstructions. The angles of church architecture can be different from other property types. Keep this in mind so that your cameras get a clear view of all entry areas.

 

A good placement spot for a church security camera system.

 

What church security equipment pairs well with cameras?

The best security monitoring system for churches is ButterflyMX.

ButterflyMX’s industry-leading security cameras can ensure safety and convenience for churches of all configurations and sizes. And you can use our versatile Access Control System to manage your cameras — and other types of access hardware, like keypads, card readers, and video intercoms.

ButterflyMX access control products integrate well with security cameras. ButterflyMX products are currently installed in over 10,000 buildings. Access control technology will feel right at home in your church.

ButterflyMX features include:

  • Remote management. Manage and monitor access to your church directly from your mobile device. So, even on days you’re not onsite, you can ensure your church is secure. This can save your team money that would otherwise be spent on security guards.
  • Amenity reservations. Church members can reserve amenity spaces for private functions such as baptisms, first communions, and weddings. This makes it easy to invite your congregation to celebrate milestones onsite, leading to higher member retention rates.
  • Time- and date-stamped audit log. Everyone who uses ButterflyMX access control systems has their user data and entry time stored in the cloud, which you can review at any time. So, if any nefarious activity happens at your church, you can review the log to see exactly who was onsite during the mishap.
  • Automatic updates. ButterflyMX products connect to the cloud and receive automatic software updates, reducing maintenance concerns. This especially comes in handy if your facility has older members on your staff because automatic updates eliminate the need to update technology manually and lead to a more intuitive experience.
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Author

Nick Manzolillo

Content Writer
Nick has been a Content Writer at ButterflyMX since 2022. With extensive experience writing SEO-focused content as a copywriter, content operations specialist, and marketing writer, Nick appreciates the time it takes to gather and utilize data to create useful content for unique audiences.

He received his Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Rhode Island in 2015 and his Master of Fine Arts in Creative and Professional Writing from Western Connecticut in 2017. His debut crime novel, Moon, Regardless, was published in 2021 by World Castle Publishing and his short fiction has appeared in World Unknown Review Volume III, Mother’s Revenge, SciFI Monkey’s Seasons, Death and Decorations, and more.

Nick lives in Rhode Island with his wife and son.

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