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Law enforcement agencies want churches to ramp up security

Church pew with hymnal
Bala Sivakumar
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Creative Commons http://michrad.io/1LXrdJM

Federal and local law enforcement officials are hosting a summit in Detroit on Monday to help area religious leaders make places of worship more secure.

The training session will focus on best practices during emergencies, including active shooter situations.

Attendees are also being encouraged to communicate more with each other, including making others aware of threats they've received or suspicious individuals.

U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade says places of worship carry a common vulnerability.

"[Places of worship] pride themselves on being open and welcoming to all people who come through their door," she said. "They need some good information so they can make thoughtful decisions about how they want to approach [security]."

McQuade says the event was prompted by last month's fatal shooting at a South Carolina church.

Leaders from all faiths are encouraged to attend the event.