To Arm or Not to Arm: Evaluating Firearms in Private Security Operations (September 24, 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Webinar: 10:00a MT
Q&A / Forum: 10:45a MT

WEBINAR:

As threats to cultural institutions and public spaces continue to evolve, the decision to arm private security personnel remains one of the most complex and consequential challenges facing security leaders today. This session explores the real-world process of evaluating and implementing an armed security program at a major museum.

Presenters include Jon Barnwell, Associate Vice President of Safety & Security at the National World War II Museum; Eric Drewry, Founder & Principal Consultant of Drewry Consulting Group and Director of Protection Services at the Detroit Institute of Arts; Jason Goodrich, Director of Global Consulting at CriticalArc; and Norris Yarbrough, Senior Manager–Armed Security at the National World War II Museum.

Together, they will share a multi-layered case study covering:

Institutional risk assessment and operational readiness
Consultant-led evaluation and strategic recommendations
Framework development and implementation guidance from a global security firm
On-the-ground leadership and management of armed personnel

Attendees will gain insight into the collaborative decision-making process, legal and ethical considerations, public perception challenges, and practical steps for launching or refining an armed security program tailored to their organization’s mission and risk profile

Q&A / OPEN FORUM:

Following the webinar presentation by world-renowned subject-matter expert, join us for a Q&A and open forum. Ask your presenter direct questions about the topic, and continue with a peer-to-peer discussion about insider threats and related concerns.

Check out our interview with webinar presenter, Eric Drewry, to learn more about what's in store: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQv4Q9fHzZQ

When Resources Fall Short: Supporting Museum Security Teams Through Technology (October 15, 2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Webinar: 12:00p MT
Q&A / Forum: 12:45p MT

WEBINAR:

When Resources Fall Short
Security staff are critical to safe and secure operations. However, managing what is oftentimes one of the largest teams in the museum comes with challenges. Learn how the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts addressed universal issues like:

- Short-staffing, callouts, and turnover
- Budget limitations
- Visitor complaints about security

Museum security teams must maintain consistent collection protection even when staffing and budgets are anything but consistent. Join IFCPP, Art Sentry, and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts for a practical case study exploring how technology can help security teams navigate staffing gaps, difficult gallery sightlines, and visitor concerns about security interactions. Attendees will hear directly from museum representatives about their experience, lessons learned, and considerations for institutions seeking to strengthen security without compromising the visitor experience.

PRESENTERS:

Ken Nielsen is the Chief of Security at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts where he has risen over a fifteen year career from a security officer position to his current role heading the museum's security department. He is a Certified Institutional Protection Manager through IFCPP.

Carrie Heflin is a Sales Manager at Art Sentry, the leading video management system designed exclusively for museums and cultural properties. She previously worked at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

Q&A / OPEN FORUM:

PRESENTER INTERVIEW:

Check out our interview with Carrie Heflin of Art Sentry

IFCPP upcoming events

To Arm or Not to Arm: Evaluating Firearms in Private Security Operations (September 24, 2026)

When Resources Fall Short: Supporting Museum Security Teams Through Technology (October 15, 2026)