TAMPA JEWISH COMMUNITY SECURITY INITIATIVE

Join us in creating a safer more resilient prepared Jewish community

The Department of Homeland Security has labeled white supremacists as the number one security threat to the U.S. Rated much higher than the immediate threat from foreign threats, the homegrown hate is more dangerous. The rise in hate crimes and antisemitic attacks and rhetoric throughout the world has impacted the Jewish community, raising concerns about safety. 

The Tampa JCCs and Federation has taken the extraordinary steps to enhance our community’s safety, security and preparedness posture by partnering with Secure Community Network (SCN).

Safety and Security Training: One of the most effective, no-cost measures to enhance a Jewish organization’s safety and security posture is the training of its members, staff, and others in situational awareness, Active Threat Response, and Greeter-Usher practices. These classes, and others, customized to the needs of each organization, build personal confidence, preparedness and resilience in the face of a crisis or emergency and begin the development of a safety and security culture in the organization.

Information Sharing: Nationally, SCN maintains a Duty Desk with an on-call analyst available to Jewish community leaders and government partners. The Duty Desk provides 24-hour threat monitoring, intelligence analysis, and liaison with local, state, and federal agencies. Locally, our security team operates SCN Alert, a state-of-the-art emergency communications platform that allows for vital, timely information to be sent to staff, community institutions, and partners through SMS and email notifications to subscribers.

Locally, our security at the Tampa JCCs & Federation maintains open communication channels and actiely shares intelligence with federal, state, county and city loaw enformcement agencies. These relationships enable us to continue the monitoring of security-related activities and proactively address imminent threats.

Security Advice and Consultation: The foundation of a security program begins with an assessment of an institution or organization’s current security posture. Our security team can advise and coach the institution through that process. The team will meet with the organization’s leadership to identify needs and to develop a roadmap towards building a strong safety and security posture and culture. Our team also conducts formal Threat, Vulnerability, and Risk Assessments (TVRAs) to support security planning and applications for grant monies from federal, state, and local governments for security enhancements.

Director, Community Security: Scott Behar

(813) 291-2214

scott.behar@jewishtampa.com