Full Visitor Screening Outline Approved by Safety committee on 7/28/19 updated 2/27/22 approved by Board at March 2022 meeting.

 Some criteria for admitting people whom the greeters do not know.

1) If non-members have been invited to an event at KI (esp. a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Bris, Ufruf) it is helpful if the inviters provide the list of invitees to the greeters, and greeters who should request the names of all unfamiliar people. (It is not a problem if the list includes invited people who do not show up)
2) For joint services with SZ, an SZ member should be a co-greeter and can approve their members as approved for entry. Similarly, if any other group gets invited to KI, one of that group’s members should be a co-greeter.
3) If other non-members wish to come, they should be encouraged to contact the Rabbi or someone else at KI beforehand, so that their names are on the list of those expected. The member who puts a visitor’s name on the approved list vouches for that person and should be at KI to greet them
II Dealing with strangers
1) Almost all strangers who come to the door will be safe to admit. Nonetheless, we have established some criteria for deciding whether to grant or refuse entry
2) Stay behind a locked door inside while talking to a stranger who wants to visit. Use the LaView App to use your phone while inside bldg. to converse with someone outside, who will use the doorbell system both as a microphone and loudspeaker
3) Admission depends on the stranger’s behavior – not appearance. American Jews, particularly in the liberal denominations, are racially and ethnically diverse. Suspicious or alarming behavior, not skin color or accent, is what properly prompts caution. These days there are young Jews with shaved heads and tattoos. Don’t stereotype and assume that they are to be feared.
4) If the visitor’s clothing, or a bag/ backpack, suggests possible possession of firearms or other weapons, the container should be stored elsewhere, or alternatively its contents examined. We have the legal right to demand inspection as a condition of admittance.
5) A handgun that can fire up to 12 shots can be carried concealed in a pocket, belt, or holster, so be alert for bulges (under an arm, abdomen, waist, and ankles). Sgt Schlagel of Lansing PD suggests that if someone is frequently touching the area around his waist or pocket, this is a valid ground for
suspicion. Similarly, a person whose clothing is not appropriate to the weather or the occasion (e.g., a heavy coat in warm weather), should be viewed with suspicion.
6) Our police advisors suggest that a way to evaluate a visitor’s intention is to talk to the visitor. Say something like “Welcome. I’m sorry, I don’t recognize you. I’m {name}. Who are you? What brings you here today? Do you know a member of the congregation? Where are you from? I regret we live in times when we must ask such questions.” Get them talking and evaluate the answers and reactions. Capt. Connelly of ELPD advised that if the visitor seems uncomfortable and unwilling to look you in the eye, this is a reasonable basis for suspicion While masking within the KI building may be required or recommended, visitors should remove their masks to be identified, prior to entering. Whoever works the door shall ask masked visitors to remove their masks for identification, and visitors who do not unmask to be identified will not be admitted.
7) If you are uncertain, invite another trusted person to make a joint evaluation.
8) If the visitor makes you feel that he may be a threat, be safe rather than sorry. The burden of proof is not on the decision to refuse entry. It is important to listen to your feelings/intuitions, which have been honed by your lifetime of experience, aided by evolution. Don’t over-intellectualize the situation.
9) If it seems prudent to refuse entry – refuse, but be polite and professional, to avoid alienating someone who intends us no harm. A good thing to say to a person being turned away is “I’m sorry, but recent events have made it necessary for us to be extra careful about admitting strangers.” You can always advise the visitor to call the office in advance to arrange for a visit to first get acquainted with the Rabbi and establish their bona fides.
10) If a member and a stranger arrive simultaneously so that you cannot safely open the door for one without admitting the other, first have someone join you and then determine that the stranger is safe before letting in the member. (Or ask the stranger to step back several paces.)
11) If someone outside the door becomes belligerent, or otherwise threatening, immediately get yourself out of the line of fire call 911, and notify everyone in the building of the emergency. If you are near the east
entrance, also use the panic button which will simultaneously notify ADT and Lansing police.