GREENWICH – To better protect members of the Jewish communities who attend area synagogues, day schools, and other facilities in the area, the leadership of the Jewish Federations in Southern and Western Connecticut announced a new partnership with the Secure Community Network (SCN) to launch a new regional security program, including the hiring of a full-time regional security advisor who will oversee the initiative. SCN is the official safety and security organization of the Jewish community in North America.

With the announcement of the Community Security Initiative (CSI), Southern/Western CT joins the growing network of Federations and communities partnering with SCN to launch community-based security initiatives designed around an “All Threats, All Hazards” approach to preparedness, safety, security, and resiliency across the community. The program will be connected to SCN’s national network, providing direct access to the National Jewish Security Operations Command Center, SCN’s Duty Desk and Intelligence Analysts, as well as best practice security resources and support related to policies, procedures, physical security, facility assessments, training, and incident response.

Public safety expert and law enforcement veteran Michael J. Shanbrom has been hired to serve as the first Regional Security Advisor (RSA) for the region. Shanbrom will work full-time to develop and administer a comprehensive program that provides threat mitigation, security consultation, and trainings to Jewish institutions throughout the region.

Shanbrom is a 20-year veteran of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), serving in a variety of national security leadership roles within the organization, including acting assistant special-agent-in-charge, National Security, in the New Haven Field Office. He currently serves as Police Commissioner for the Town of Woodbridge and sits on the board of multiple Jewish organizations in the Greater New Haven area. Most recently, he served as a senior administrator for research compliance for the University of Connecticut.

“With the dramatic increase in antisemitic incidents and acts of hate over the past several years, Jewish communal security has never been more important. Mike’s tremendous knowledge, expertise, and law enforcement relationships and partnerships will help keep our local community safe and secure,” said UJA-JCC Greenwich CEO Pam Ehrenkranz.

Shanbrom will serve as an advisor to Jewish institutions such as synagogues and day schools to establish a system of collaboration, coordination, and communication among organizations. He will also serve as a liaison to local, state, and federal law enforcement and represent the Federation and the Jewish community in public security forums.

“I am excited to hit the ground running and contribute to the safety and security of the greater Southern/Western Connecticut Jewish community,” noted Shanbrom, who will be onsite in Connecticut for the launch of the community security program in mid-October.