Alan Hughes
Alan Hughes: Co-Founder and Lead Instructor
Professional Experience
Alan Hughes is a United States Army veteran and law enforcement professional with a career that has included local, state, and federal assignments. His experience spans investigations, tactical operations, dignitary protection, and multi-agency coordination.
He has served as a detective, traffic homicide investigator, drug interdiction specialist, and tactical team leader. His protective services work included providing close protection for diplomats and government officials in both domestic and international environments.
Alan has been a contributing member of several regional and federal task forces, including:
- Southwest Florida Gang Task Force
- South Florida Cargo Theft Task Force
- FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (regional assignment)
In these roles, he supported complex investigations, countered organized criminal activity, and collaborated with national security partners on threat prevention and intelligence coordination.
Alan has extensive experience as an instructor within the criminal justice system, training personnel in law enforcement, corrections, and public safety organizations. Alan served as a field training officer, agency instructor, and instructor for regional and international training programs.
He has also served in church safety leadership for more than fifteen years. He oversaw the safety ministry for a large multi-campus church for more than a decade and currently serves as a Safety Director at a local church. Alan is a founding trainer for the Safe Church Consortium of Southwest Florida and provides training and consulting to churches across the country in violence prevention, emergency response, and safety team development.
Alan also serves on the board of Into the Jordan, a Southwest Florida nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors of human trafficking through advocacy, education, and direct services.
Instructor Certifications
- ALERRT Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) Instructor
- ALERRT Civilian Response and Casualty Care (CRCC) Instructor
- Stop the Bleed Instructor
- Red Cross CPR, First Aid, and AED Instructor
- Health and Safety Institute Instructor
- Field Training Officer
- Firearms Training Systems Instructor
- Criminal Justice Driving Instructor
- Criminal Justice General Topics Instructor
- NRA Pistol Instructor
- NRA Range Safety Officer
Professional Designations and Specialized Training
- CPTED Practitioner (Florida Atlantic University)
- Emergency Management Professional (FEMA)
- Anti-Terrorism Security Assessor (DHS Best Practices for Anti-Terrorism Security Program)
- Traffic Homicide Investigator (Institute of Police Technology and Management)
- Hostage Negotiator
- Gang Specialist (Florida Gang Investigators Association)
- Threat and vulnerability assessment training
- Behavior and pre-incident indicators training
- Active violence response and decision-making
- De-escalation and conflict resolution practices
Academic Background
- Bachelor of Science in Training and Development
- Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
- Undergraduate Certificate in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Church Safety and Training Leadership
- More than fifteen years of building, developing, and leading church safety teams
- Former Safety Director for a large multi-campus church
- Current Safety Director at a local church
- Founding trainer for the Safe Church Consortium of Southwest Florida since 2015
- Consultant and trainer for churches across the United States in violence prevention, emergency response, team development, and ministry safety operations
Media, Publications, and Speaking Engagements
Alan has been featured as a guest, presenter, and instructor across multiple platforms focused on church safety, personal protection, and emergency readiness. His work includes:
Media and Podcast Appearances
- Guest appearances on the Church Safety Guys Podcast
- Guest appearances on the Church Security Talk Podcast
- Contributor to church safety blogs and ministry-focused publications
Conferences and Speaking Engagements
- Presenter, Securing Your Place of Worship Conference (national event)
- Keynote speaker, Harvest Field Church Men’s Conference
- Instructor and presenter at regional church safety workshops, leadership retreats, and multi-church training events
- Principal trainer for the Safe Church Consortium of Southwest Florida since 2015
Publications and Training Content
- Author of The Art of Not Getting Murdered, released August 2025
- Principal author of The Protector’s Perspective, the Better Protectors educational blog
- Contributor to Worship Facility Magazine through church safety articles
- Developer of training content for churches, volunteer teams, and community safety programs
- Creator of online educational content through Better Protectors platforms
Community and Nonprofit Leadership
- Board member, Into the Jordan Ministries
- Active in public education and outreach related to human trafficking awareness
Personal Background
Alan is a husband, father, Florida State football fan, and Kentucky Colonel. He enjoys good coffee, Star Wars, and telling terrible dad jokes.