We have extra police patrols through our cemeteries, especially after dark. We don’t have power at the cemeteries so haven’t been able to install security cameras, however we do have game cameras placed strategically around the grounds.

We have exactly the same situation as Sherri, re: patrols and trail cams, since we do not have electric at most cemeteries. We did do a training with our staff and local law enforcement, including FBI, on what to do G-d forbid, there was an attack against a burial service. We have had an Emergency Response Plan for our office for some time, but had not done a training and plan for what to do if an attack occurred during a service. We also created a protocol for Antisemitic vandalism incidents and have shared it with all necessary partners. I’m attaching a copy of our full ERP plan, but please do not share or post to the public, as that is not a good protocol with an ERP, of course.

In Hartford, we are in the same situation that David Harris and Sherri Quint have in their locations. No power, etc. However, we have forged a very strong relationship with our local police departments, area ADL, Homeland Security, SCN Network, etc. It really does make a difference! The police departments want to help us protect these sacred burial grounds. Many of the Hartford Police will take their lunch/dinner breaks in the cemeteries, or will choose it as a place to do their paperwork. The optics of them being parked there is so beneficial! We also do weekly visual inspections at all of our 31 cemeteries and from April through November, the ground crews are there weekly. When volunteers are looking for a meaningful way to lend a hand to the cemeteries, I ask that they do a visual patrol/drive-by when they are in the area and report if they see anything unusual. Between these measures and the Police, it does make a difference.

As you know, here is St Louis, Chesed Shel Emeth has upgraded our security since the vandalism in 2017. We have upgraded our fencing to be 6 ft high, lighting around the perimeter of the cemetery and state of the art video monitoring of the entrances and exits.
Currently, we require security at all of our funerals. The off duty police or Federation security officer comes 1 hr prior and stays until the end.
We are also included in our Federations emergency notification system to be aware of all potential concerns.