Places of Worship (PW) are considered to be especially vulnerable to attacks, due to their open characters. Oftentimes, limited security measures are applied. In the meantime PW of different faiths remain a target for extremists, resulting in a growing concern about the security of PW. ProSPeReS aims to increase the level of protection in PW. Special attention is paid to keeping the balance between security measures and the open nature of PW. This is achieved by forming a cooperation between faith-based leaders, public services, citizen representatives, local and regional authorities and security experts. ProSPeReS offers a method for risk and vulnerability assessments, raises public awareness, and develops and validates a comprehensive protection system. The protection system developed within the project involves tools and templates, training, education materials and security precautions covering the entire cycle of an emergency, as well as a security system model for religious gatherings including recommendations. ProSPeReS aims to deliver a model with effective cooperation between public authorities and services, faith-based leaders, religious institutions, and security experts and practitioners. The project’s vision is to establish standardised safety and security infrastructure and procedures, and to help grow a conscious, prepared and empowered community.
