Written by: Monique Tarleton

The face of the average security officer is no longer just the male retired worker whose main goal is to scratch out a meager existence working only a few hours a week.  Women are slowly stepping forward and becoming a viable force in a world of technology where brains out weigh brawn.  The criminals who exist in today’s high tech environment demand that we continuously progress at a faster rate than them to try and keep a step ahead of the average criminal.  A seemingly innocent situation must be viewed as a potential threat from a security standpoint.   The old adage of “that’s how we have done it in the past” is now a thing of the past.
 
Young women must begin to prepare themselves now by investing in the type of potential work and educational experience that will allow them to excel at a rate comparable to their male counterparts.  Early R.O.T.C. training, classes in computer technology, finance, and business management are just some of the key components that can help begin the process.  The difference however lies in the fact that as women, simply meeting the same standards set for men is not enough. We need to continue to insure that when upper level management positions become available we are ready.  In the past, we have not done enough to insure that we have a seat at the table and a credible voice in the discussion process.
 
We cannot depend on the criminal typecast of seedy individuals, appearing desperate and moving in a shifty manner.  Technology has forced us to now move into a world of infrared cameras, facial recognition software, fingerprint identification locking systems and retina scanners.  The new management level woman security executive must have good communication skills and be adept at customer service.  Though technology is advancing, she must always recognize that these are merely tools; there is no known technology to surpass the eyes and ears of the officer on the ground interacting with the public.  In addition, the public must take some responsibility for their shared responsibilities for security and safety.
Office workers in a business environment should lock doors and monitor potential fire hazards, ensuring items such as coffee pots and space heaters are turned off at the end of the day. All employees must take an active role in the safety and security of their work place.  The women at the helm of all of this must be proactive in keeping the officers working at their highest potential while educating the public on the role in this process.
 
The special environment of the museum is the opportunity to be an example to the next generation while educating the general public at the same time.  We can be kinder gentler and still maintain an air of discipline and order when protecting our staff, guests and collections.  We balance the need to increase our shared responsibility for security and safety; however at the end of the day our highest and main priority is the protection of the collection because without the collection there would be no museum. Therefore, our responsibilities extend far beyond those of employees in other companies and environments. Whether we are posted or work in an office, lab, studio, kitchen, shop, or gallery we must never forget our special responsibilities for protection.
 
Women can seek to become specialists in security related fields such as fire protection security specialists, security investigations, security training, officers, supervisors, managers, etc. They are no longer viewed as counterparts to men but as active team members and team leaders in accessing, evaluating and providing proven solutions for counterattacking elements which threaten the security of our workplace, social gatherings as well as property.

Safeguarding Cultural Properties - Security for Museums, Libraries, Parks, and Zoos

Written by Stevan P. Layne,
Principal and CEO of Layne Consultants International; founding director of the International Foundation for Cultural Property Protection

ISBN: 978-0-12-420112-5
PUB DATE: April 25, 2014
LIST PRICE: $34.95

KEY FEATURES:

• The only how-to manual written specifically for security managers of museums, libraries, zoos, and other public and private historic sites
• Suitable for both large and small cultural institutions, and covers topics such as personnel security, fire protection, physical security, emergency response, theft protection, and more
• Provides actionable, cost-effective solutions for institutions with limited security budgets and resources
• Safeguarding Cultural Properties is a step-by-step guide for creating and maintaining a comprehensive security program in any cultural facility or public institution. Author Stevan P. Layne, the leading expert in the field of cultural property protection, draws from his many years of experience providing protection training and planning to more than 350 cultural and public institutions around the world.
• Designed especially for those with limited security budgets, the book provides a proven and effective program for hiring the right security personnel, selecting the appropriate electronic security systems, and coordinating critical emergency response, along with all the other security issues unique to the needs of a cultural institution. For individuals responsible for the protection of the people, assets, and collections, Safeguarding Cultural Properties saves time and money by providing the essential resources needed for creating a short- and long-term protection plan.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Chapter 1: Emergency Preparedness
Chapter 2: Security Officer Code of Conduct
Chapter 3: Personnel Security
Chapter 4: Legal Rights and Restrictions
Chapter 5: Physical Security
Chapter 6: Fire Protection
Chapter 7: Customer Service and Visitor Relations
Chapter 8: Emergency Evacuations
Chapter 9: Theft Prevention
Chapter 10: Documentation
Chapter 11: Protecting Valuable Collections
Chapter 12: Protecting Rare Book Collections
Chapter 13: Unruly Patrons and Conflict Resolution
Chapter 14: Use of Force
Chapter 15: Workplace Violence Prevention
Chapter 16: Retail Theft Prevention and Apprehension
Chapter 17: Special Events Protection

On Tuesday January 28th at approximately 3pm, Sunstates Security officer Dorian Williams was on post at the control center for the Telfair Museums in Savannah GA. When he noticed on one of the monitors that a fire had started outside the dock door where the trash receptacles are stored. He instructed another officer to call 911 and he secured a fire extinguisher and went to the scene of the fire. Although the fire had spread quickly, due to his quick response Officer Williams was able to douse the fire with the fire extinguisher.  The fire department did respond and verified that the fire was in fact out.  The cause of the fire was a cigarette.  Part of the training curriculum for Sunstates Security at the Telfair Museum includes Fire extinguisher training.  “We were very happy with the officer’s response, that fire could have been very serious”, stated William Forrester, Director of Operation for The Telfair Museums.

IFCPP extends our praise to officer Williams and Sunstates Security for a job well done!

We are proud to announce the release of “Safeguarding Cultural Properties:  Security for Museums, Libraries, Parks, Zoos, and other Public Institutions.”   Scheduled for release on April 25, 2014, this timely publication is authored by Stevan P. Layne, CPP, CIPM, CIPI, recognized as a leading authority on cultural property protection, security management, and training.  The publisher is Butterworth-Heinemann, a United Kingdom based publishing company specializing in professional information and learning materials for higher education and professional training.

This manual is intended to provide useful information, best practices, and practical guidelines for protection planning and implementation in a variety of cultural, educational, and public institutions.   Advance orders will be offered online soon through IFCPP, and also available at special IFCPP workshops and seminars.

by Stevan P. Layne, CPP, CIPM, CIPI

The latest in shooting events, one in a public shopping mall, the other in a busy airport terminal confirm what is unfortunately a sign of the times, and probably a sign of things to come. One of these acts was committed by a disturbed individual with known drug problems.  The other with a grudge against a government agency. Neither predictable.  Both however, may have been preventable.

Most of our businesses and public institutions do not recognize the daily threat from misguided, mentally disturbed, or substance influenced individuals with easy access to dangerous weapons. Gun control isnotthe answer.  Putting more guns in the hands of private security, or even putting more police on the ground is not necessarily the answer. Security awareness, immediate reporting, and immediate response all contribute to the possibility of reducing or preventing similar attacks.

Workers need to be advised about recognizing the signs of mental illness, depression, or substance abuse. Management needs to be prepared to confront employees with potential problems and get them the help they need. When necessary, problem employees need to be removed from the property and restricted from returning. We can’t stop every threat, in every case. We can do more to prevent potential threats before they become a reality.

Bag Checks
We have been receiving numerous requests regarding the initiation of, or refinement of, package inspections and bag checks. In particular, there's a growing concern about training staff how to spot explosives or weapons (and how to deal with the discover of such items).

Before initiating bag checks, make sure you have a clearly written, published, distributed policy.  What items are restricted?  What do patrons do if they have prohibited items with them when they arrive?   What is the policy for staff (incoming and outgoing bag checks)?   How does staff bring laptops or other personal items into the facility? How would you handle spotting explosives or weapons?
We normally begin by posting a conspicuous notice that states anyone entering the property is subject to inspection/search. This posting should be visible at all public entries.   It's possible the notice alone will deter someone from attempting to bring contraband onto the property.

Once the policy is established and security officers and staff have been briefed on the policy (they need to have written copies in advance and at the point of inspection), you’ll want to determine how you're going to conduct the inspection.   You’ll need a platform or table of some type on which to place containers, packages, and bags. Placement of this table should not impede flow of traffic or block emergency egress. You’ll also need flashlights, gloves, and/or plastic paddles or rulers to conduct the inspection safely.   Officers (or whomever is performing the inspection) should never put their hands into any container, backpack, purse, etc.   To look inside, they should use the paddles to move things aside. 

Prohibited items should be clearly defined and identified.  These include weapons of any type, controlled substances, or any type of explosive or explosive/flammable material.  Make sure to decide in advance what to do if prohibited items are discovered during the bag check.  Placing these items a locker is not normally an acceptable practice.

Lockers may be provided for other items, as long as you recognize the potential problems that lockers pose, and the fact that they must be cleared at the end of each business day.  Under no circumstances should security personnel hold or "watch" any item, for any visitor, contractor, or staff member.   The responsibility for storing items is on the owner.  Some businesses allow visitors to leave restricted items in coat checkrooms, which we do NOT recommend.

Weapons & Explosives
Explosives, as well as weapons carried by others are another problem all together.   Your weapons policy should address the rights of police officers, but only officers in their own jurisdiction (ask us for a copy of our sample weapons policy). For persons with valid concealed weapons permits, but not serving as police officers, we recommend advising them that they cannot bring their weapons onto the property. Where they store them while visiting the business is their responsibility.

Any hint of explosives is a serious problem. Officers should always observe the demeanor of all persons being inspected. Undue nervousness, looking around, acting jittery, not being responsive to questions or looking directly at the person asking questions...all are indicators of potential problems.   Attempting to keep all or portions of the bag closed is also suspicious. Any sign of wires, timer devices, or unusual electronics the subject can't explain are worthy of further investigation.   The inspector needs to call a supervisor immediately. Ask the subject to wait aside from the queue of other patrons. Separate the subject from the bag. Use a telephone if available, avoiding the use of two-way radios. If there is no doubt that the bag contains a suspicious device or is recognized as an explosive device, evacuate the area immediately.

Customer service is extremely important in the initiation and management of package inspection, and the practice of checking bags requires professional, consistent, and ongoing training.  We normally take two hours for this type of training, giving everyone with the potential for serving in that role the opportunity to go through the motions, in a hands-on training session. This whole process, especially if an emergency evacuation is called for, requires considerable discussion, planning, and rehearsal. You certainly don't want to evacuate the building because of an IPAD or DVD player. Walk through realistic scenarios with the people performing inspections.   Make sure that senior management has an active voice in determining policy and procedures.

Please contact us if we can provide additional information or assistance.