04/03/2025
Expanding Community Security Training in Jewish Cleveland
When launched in 2013, JFC Security, LLC – the security provider of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland – was focused on establishing our four core pillars to build our community security program around: creating safety awareness, target hardening our facilities, community-based training, and strengthening law enforcement partnerships. Over the years, the security team has grown in its size and scope of capabilities to protect the Cleveland Jewish community. Today, the team now comprises 60 officers and utilizes sophisticated security technology to help keep our community safe while also remaining open and welcoming.
According to Jim Hartnett, the David P. Miller director of community security for JFC Security, LLC, one of the most important advances the team has made is the expansion of safety training courses now offered to Jewish Clevelanders. “Training is the most critical tool we have,” said Hartnett. “Our goal is to ensure that our community feels safe and is prepared to respond appropriately in any emergency situation.”
Building a Safer Community
The Federation’s security training ensures that essential safety education is widely accessible through free, community-wide sessions. These trainings cover critical topics like Active Threat Response, Run, Hide, Fight, Situational Awareness, Men/Women’s Self Defense, Usher Greeter, and Bomb Threat Management equipping participants with practical skills for real-world situations.
"Training saves lives," said Hartnett. "An informed and alert community is one of the strongest defenses we have—when more people know what to look for and how to respond, the entire community becomes safer."
Training is central to the Federation’s strategy, helping individuals build confidence and develop the skills to protect themselves and others. Hartnett emphasizes the importance of involving younger community members too, so that Jewish Cleveland can foster a culture of preparedness across all generations.
Allison Brandon, a 32 year old community member and regular attendee of JFC Security trainings, shared, “I’ve always been hyper-vigilant, but these sessions have heightened my awareness. Now, I actively identify areas where security can be improved and feel empowered to take action.”
Brandon emphasized that training goes beyond responding to crises: “It’s about preventing situations before they escalate. The training helps you identify vulnerabilities and take action before it’s too late.”
Tabletop Exercise
In addition to the monthly training sessions, JFC Security recently conducted a large-scale tabletop exercise with organizations located on the Beachwood Jewish Campus, an 88-acre area that includes the Maltz Museum, Mandel JCC, local synagogues, and Jewish day schools. The exercise involved 170 participants – law enforcement, emergency responders, and community leaders – simulating an emergency scenario in a controlled, collaborative setting.
These exercises focus on strategy and coordination, allowing participants to refine response plans, identify gaps, and strengthen interagency communication. “They help us ensure every leader understands their role in a crisis,” said Hartnett.
Participants left the exercise with greater confidence in identifying security risks and taking proactive steps to enhance community safety. For community members, these trainings offer a sense of security. “It’s reassuring to know our leaders and school staff are prepared,” said Brandon. “Whether at events or school, we feel safer knowing they’ve been trained.”
To learn more about JFC Security and for information on upcoming training sessions, visit https://www.jewishcleveland.org/JFC-security/.
