COVINGTON, Ga. — The Covington Police Department and First United Methodist Church of Covington are partnering next month to offer a two-hour training on active shooter awareness to the leadership teams at all Newton County area places of worship.

CPD Capt. Ken Malcom said the training is designed to help each leadership team formulate or enhance their security efforts to keep their members safe.

"Shootings occur each year in religious establishments for a variety of reasons," he said, " The threat could be a disgruntled member, individuals involved in domestic disputes or mentally unstable individuals.

"It is critically important that each place of worship in our community has an active shooter plan in the unlikely event it occurs on their campus."

Malcom said the training will help potential security team members prepare and protect their congregations.

"After this training, the members will be better able to present this information to the congregation," he said.

All places of worship are invited to send a team to the training seminar on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. to noon. To RSVP, email communications@covingtonfirst.org or call 770-786-7305.