One of our highest priorities of the Savannah Jewish Federation is ensuring communal safety and security. To better protect the Savannah community Federation has partnered with Secure Community Network (SCN) to manage security programs in our community.

Through the Savannah Jewish Federation partnership with Secure Community Network (SCN), the Federation Community-Wide Security Program works to enhance the safety and security of the Savannah Jewish community. Together, we are working to foster a culture of empowerment, collaboration, and vigilance, ensuring that all Jewish organizations operate safely and securely.

Whatever location our community members visit, they should be secure in the knowledge that best practices are in place for all potentialities: fire, medical emergency, weather, and worst-case scenarios, such as violent attacks. Our partnership aims to provide educational and support services, as well as create a network among institutions to ensure best practices when it comes to security at what SCN refers to as "Centers of Jewish Life."

Community Security Director, Brett Butler

Brett Butler brings a wealth of experience to the position of Community Security Director following almost thirty years of service with the Arlington (VA) County Police Department. As a Captain in the Criminal Investigations Section he supervised over 60 detectives, oversaw the Homicide Unit, advocated for laws that strengthened law enforcement, and has significant experience in community policing, working with government entities, and liaising with community civic organizations. He previously instructed at the Northern VA Criminal Justice Academy where he trained other officers.  He is a graduate of George Mason University, attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, and Professional Executive Leadership School.

Butler acts as an expert security advisor, liaison and training coordinator for the community. Under his direction, security practices will be enacted, including, but not limited to:

  • Trainings for schools, synagogues and other institutions;
  • Information sharing with Community leaders and government partners;
  • Security consultations and threat assessments of our Jewish institutions;
  • Security grant consultation & support guidance;
  • On-hand community liaison with law enforcement for emergency events that may occur.

It is our goal to identify and assess any potential threats to our community. It is important to report incidents as soon as you witness them. Keep in mind we are collecting all information that affects our community. Please use this form to report all suspicious activity and antisemitic acts. This information will be reviewed and shared with the appropriate local, state, and federal law enforcement for action and resolution.

Emergencies should be reported to police via 911 immediately.

At the Savannah Jewish Federation, the safety and security of our Jewish community is our #1 priority. In partnership with the Jewish Federations of North America, LiveSecure, an unprecedented security campaign and initiative to ensure the security and resiliency of our communities is taking place.

With LiveSecure support, the Federation will be able to provide the training, tools, and resources needed to protect those inside our Jewish community organizations in Savannah. LiveSecure will match donations made to the security initiative dollar for dollar – up to $250,000!

Please consider making a separate gift to the security initiative this year, and know that your impact is increased through this special 1:1 match.

 
 
UPCOMING TRAINING CLASSES

 

(The entire Savannah community is welcome to attend all classes free of charge)

  • CATT Security Training

    August 28, 2024- 6:00pm - Jewish Educational Alliance

    CATT (Countering Active Threat Training) Security Training- A comprehensive training program to counter an active threat evetn developed for faith-based institutions and houses or worship. You will learn how to define an active threat, understand Active Threat Incidents and how to better prepare for them, identify situations where Run, Hide or Fight might be used, discuss proper responses to the arrival of law enforcement, and more!

  • Stop The Bleed Training

    September 18, 2024 - 6:00pm - Jewish Educational Alliance

    Stop The Bleed Training provides community members with the skills to save lives by applying emergency first aid to control bleeding. You will learn why bleeding is the #1 preventable death after an injury and how to save a life, how to identify when life-threatening bleeding is occurring, and how to control bleeding when someone is injured and is waiting for first responders to arrive.

  • BeAware Security Training: Introduction to Situational Awareness

    October 30, 2024 - 6:00pm - Jewish Educational Alliance

    BeAware: An Introduction to Situational Awareness will teach you how to recognize suspicious or potentially dangerous behavior and threats, and what to do - whether you are in synagogue, at school, or going about your day. This class is designed for every member of the community, no background in security is needed. The course will cover the basics of situational awareness and how to help protect yourself, your family, and your community.

  • Traveler Safety

    November 20, 2024 - 6:00pm - Jewish Educational Alliance

    Traveler Safety: Learn the best practices to enhance safety and security for work, mission, or leisure travelers. You will find out how to reduce risks prior to traveling, and how to take the necessary steps to reduce risk during travel.

  • Guardian Training For Greeters and Ushers

    December 11, 2024 - 6:00pm - Jewish Educational Alliance

    Guardians take personal responsibility for the safety and security of themselves, families, and community. In this class, you will learn skillsets that help you identify, protect, and respond to all hazards, enabling you to become an Active Bystander in your community.