What is the Secure Community Network?
The Secure Community Network (SCN) is part of the American Jewish community’s response to heightened security concerns in the United States.  SCN has two main functions: (1) rapid information sharing in crisis situations and (2) enhancing security awareness at Jewish organizations and institutions to protect against terrorism and other threats.

The Secure Community Network serves as the central address for the Jewish community concerning matters of communal safety, security, and all-hazards preparedness and response. Through SCN, the organized Jewish community has established a coordinated approach for community wide notifications, crisis management and security measures emphasizing common standards for enabling Jewish communities throughout North America to embrace and evidence a culture of security awareness, preparedness and disaster recovery and resiliency.

SCN professionals offer expertise, guidance and assistance to Jewish organizations and institutions on protection against terrorism and other threats.  They also operate the SCN crisis communication system that allows rapid dissemination of critical information to all SCN members.

SCN maintains close working relationships with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, intelligence and counter-terrorism units, and others who provide advice on security and safety matters.  SCN also maintains contact with major Jewish communities worldwide to share information and experience and to maximize resources.

Why Should Organizations Enroll in SCN?
SCN provides a new strategic, collaborative and coordinated platform geared to specific security needs of the Jewish community.  SCN offers:   

• Reliable security information and updates.
• Enrollment in the 24/7 alert network.
• Access to restricted areas of SCN’s web-site including:
         -a library of safety and security resources
         -guidelines for implementation of best security practices
         -threat and vulnerability assessment templates
         -recommendations for strengthening institutional security
         -information exchange 

Participation in on-line forums related to security and counter-terrorism.

Security awareness programs, model crisis management and rapid response scenarios consistent with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) protocols and customized for the Jewish community.

Facilitation of training and professional development for Jewish communal security personnel by state and federal law enforcement officials.

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has established a high level liaison with SCN and recognizes SCN as a primary vehicle to facilitate sharing of information and policy protocols that impact Jewish communal security.  These important official relationships enable SCN to access information and resources developed by DHS specifically for non-profit agencies.

Furthermore, SCN is permitted access to non-classified information portals, public safety information, and emergency notification systems nationwide, reflecting the integrity of  SCN and the trusted relationships SCN professional staff has established with national, state and local law enforcement agencies.  These direct links add an important dimension and expanded access to information that will be shared with all organizations participating in SCN. 

Who Manages SCN?
SCN is endorsed by the national leadership of the American Jewish community.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, and the former President and CEO of the United Jewish Communities, serve as co-chairs of the SCN Board of Directors. 

Board of Directors/Management Team
A Board of Directors/Management Team oversees SCN operations.  The group is comprised of ten permanent organizational members, and three organizations from the participating Conference member organizations that will rotate every six months.  The ten permanent members are: American Jewish Committee, American Jewish Congress, Anti-Defamation League, Conference of Presidents, Jewish Community Center Association, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, Orthodox Union, Union for Reform Judaism, United Jewish Communities, and United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.  The rotating organizations will be selected alphabetically from the list of participating organizations. 

Staff
SCN is professionally staffed by a team of senior security policy analysts, administrators, law enforcement and intelligence service executives.  It functions from a state-of-the art operations center in New York City.

Advisory Committee
A select group of distinguished law enforcement and security executives serve on the SCN Advisory Board, and are a significant resource for guidance and expertise regarding collection, analysis and dissemination of threat information related to terrorism and other potential incidents.  This important group also advises the management and Board of Directors in formulating security policies and procedures for Jewish communal institutions, developing strategies, emergency planning and preparedness, communications, crisis management, and disaster recovery.  

Who Participates in SCN?
The SCN network includes the 52 member organizations of the Conference of Presidents, the 157 North American federations represented by UJC, the 350 JCC's, Y's and camp sites associated with Jewish Community Centers Association, and the synagogues, rabbinic arms and schools associated with the four major religious streams.  

Does SCN Duplicate Current Emergency Notification Systems?
No.  SCN augments existing resources by providing a central address for developing and promulgating best security practices and offering a vehicle for improved coordination on security matters.  SCN complements, but does not supplant, ongoing relationships established by individual organizations with local and regional law enforcement agencies.   Moreover, programs related to crisis communications and management, information sharing, alert/warning and security strategies can now be customized to reflect the specific needs of our communities.  

SCN 24/7 high-speed alert system moves beyond traditional communications and emergency links.  SCN monitors counter-terrorism and other security resources, then analyzes and assesses information with input from the law enforcement community specifically for Jewish institutions.  The network does not alter other emergency contact systems used for more routine situations, i.e. weather-related closings, etc. 

How Much Does SCN Enrollment Cost?
SCN is subsidized by private donations in addition to nominal enrollment/membership fees.  Enrollment currently is set at $200 annually.  Membership in the SCN network is voluntary.  To enroll, organizations must provide contact information for the 24/7 emergency notification system.

For further information, contact the SCN office at 212-284-6940, or email ScanDesk@scnus.org