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Security

Endowing Safety and Security

The Joan and Stanford Alexander Family Community Security Program is here to secure the Houston Jewish community, in partnership with Secure Community Network (SCN). Since the program began in 2022, we closely collaborate with key partners in law enforcement, Jewish nonprofit organizations, local leaders, and SCN to protect our facilities and keep our community safe.

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Incident Reporting

The JFGH and SCN have launched a joint and standardized form for the public to report threats, incidents, and suspicious activity related to Jewish organizations, facilities, or community members. Click the link below to submit an incident or click here to view FAQs.

Report an Incident

Meet Our Security Team

Bill Hoffmann
Regional Security Advisor

Bill Hoffmann joined the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and the Secure Community Network (SCN) in September 2026 as the Regional Security Advisor for Greater Houston. Bill Hoffmann, a 30-year law enforcement veteran and retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent, joins the organizations in the role and will work alongside Regional Security Advisor Cody Sears. As a part of the Joan and Stanford z”l Alexander Family Security Program, Hoffmann and Sears will co-lead the Federation’s security and preparedness efforts across the region.

Hoffmann brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, including a 23-year career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he served as an FBI Special Agent and SWAT team member in the Dallas Field Office and as a Supervisory Special Agent in Washington, D.C. His experience includes crisis response, high-risk operations, hostage rescue, and emergency planning for major facilities and events.

Contact Bill

Cody Sears
Deputy Regional Security Advisor

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Cody Sears joined the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and the Secure Community Network (SCN) in August 2025 as the Deputy Regional Security Advisor for Greater Houston. A mission-driven U.S. Marine Corps veteran and retired Sergeant from the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado, he brings more than 20 years of experience in tactical operations, threat mitigation, crisis response, and community safety.

Cody is dedicated to continuous training and readiness, recognizing that preparation today strengthens the community’s safety and resilience tomorrow. His career includes leadership roles as Town Police Chief for the Town of Lyons, School Resource Officer Supervisor, Patrol Deputy, Detective, and SWAT Team Leader. Guided by integrity, humility, and collaboration, Cody is committed to enhancing the safety and resilience of the Greater Houston Jewish community.

Contact Cody

Trainings and Assessments

Nothing is more critical than the safety and well-being of our community. Our strategy is one of security awareness, information sharing, training, close communication with local law enforcement, and partnerships with national organizations to ensure a safe and secure future for our community.

If your institution is considering applying for funds through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), please contact Cody Sears to schedule a Threat Vulnerability Risk Assessment (TVRA).

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One of the most effective, no-cost measures to enhance organization’s safety and security posture is training its members, staff, and others in active threat response and situational awareness.

This course offers information about the concepts of situational awareness (SA) to better evaluate the potential risks around us. Techniques related to recalling important details and facts will be shared to improve the participants ability to observe, react to, and report suspicious activity.

The goal of this comprehensive training program developed for Jewish institutions is to provide participants with a better understanding of active threats, as well as—critically—potentially lifesaving response options.

The foundation of a security program begins with an assessment of an institution or organization’s current security posture. Our Deputy Security Director can advise and coach the institution through that process. He will meet with the organization’s leadership to identify needs and to develop a roadmap towards building a strong safety and security posture and culture.

Safety Act

In 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security designated Secure Community Network’s (SCN) Community Security Initiatives as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology under the SAFETY Act.
The designation covers core components of SCN-managed community security programs, including:
•  Embedded SCN security professionals;
•  the Jewish Security Operations Command Center™ (JSOCC™) and its threat-management and information-sharing technology, Project RAIN™;
•  the Community Protection Program, which supports Threat, Vulnerability, and Risk Assessments;
•  SCN-developed training and exercises; and
•  the National Jewish Community Security Standards.
The designation provides certain liability protections for certain claims arising out of an act of terrorism when covered services have been deployed.
Through its partnership with SCN, the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston connects Jewish Greater Houston to these coordinated community security capabilities.

Disclaimer: Neither DHS’s designation of SCN’s Community Security Initiatives nor any authorized use of the SAFETY Act seal constitutes an endorsement, guarantee, or warranty by DHS.

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Invest in the safety and resilience of Jewish life here in Houston in partnership with Secure Community Network (SCN).

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