Los Angeles law enforcement moved this week to increase visible security at churches and other houses of worship following a deadly shooting at a Michigan church that has reverberated through faith communities nationwide. The Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said they were coordinating patrols, outreach to clergy, and risk assessments of congregational sites to deter potential violence and offer rapid response if needed.

An LAPD spokesperson said officers will make additional visits during services and community events and that department liaisons are working directly with religious leaders to tailor safety measures to each site’s needs. The sheriff’s department announced similar steps for unincorporated areas and contract cities. Both agencies framed the effort as temporary and focused on prevention and engagement rather than a permanent surge in enforcement.

For worshippers, the increased presence is a mixed reassurance. “People come to church to find solace and safety,” said a pastor in South Los Angeles who asked not to be named to avoid drawing attention to her congregation. “Seeing patrol cars can make some feel safer, but others — particularly immigrants and people of color — are anxious about a heavier police presence.” That tension underscores the uneven relationship between law enforcement and many congregations that provide sanctuary and services to marginalized residents.

Public health experts and community leaders say the response should extend beyond patrols. Houses of worship are often front-line providers of social services, mental health referrals and food assistance; disruptions to their work can have cascading effects on older adults, people experiencing homelessness and those with limited English proficiency. “When congregations are scared to meet, we lose critical social-support infrastructure,” said a researcher at a local public health institute. “The public health response must include trauma counseling, culturally competent outreach and funding for continuity of services.”

City officials said they are reviewing short-term funding options for security enhancements requested by congregations, including lighting, locks and training for greeters and ushers on de-escalation and emergency procedures. Advocates caution that directing limited public dollars toward physical security without investing in community-based violence prevention and mental health services risks deepening inequalities. Faith communities in low-income neighborhoods often lack the resources to implement recommended safety upgrades, leaving them more exposed than wealthier congregations.

Civil liberties groups also raised concerns about profiling and surveillance. They urged law enforcement to limit data collection, ensure transparency about patrol patterns and involve community representatives in planning. “Protecting worshippers means preserving their rights and dignity as well as their safety,” said a legal advocate.

Officials plan public meetings this week bringing police, public health officials and faith leaders together to share information, coordinate resources and hear community concerns. As congregations continue to grieve and grapple with fear, clergy and health providers said the central priority should be sustaining the supportive functions of houses of worship while ensuring that measures meant to protect do not inadvertently harm those they intend to serve.