Serious as a heart attack…which many administrators would have if we even discussed police-type uniforms.  But the sad truth is, in this world at war and under the constant threat of terrorist attack, workplace violence and even armed art theft, is that consideration for armed security is at our doorsteps.

In several locations, particularly those where law enforcement is not readily available, or high crime rates dictate harsh measures, officers are armed, and have been for some time.  While some of these officers are commissioned federal, state, or city officers, others are proprietary or contract security only, in compliance with state and local law for “armed guard service.”

Where is all of this leading?  Is it time to re-consider the basic security philosophy of “observe and report,” but leave everything else to the police?  

In a rapidly escalating, violent confrontation, waiting for law enforcement to arrive has deadly consequences. Incidents such as Columbine changed school security forever, September 11 changed more than just airline security and many college campuses (small towns in themselves) do provide commissioned, armed police officers and/or unarmed security.

What will another major attack do for security planning?  What would you do if the next attack involves a public institution, virtually unprepared to deter even the simplest assault? Most museums. libraries, zoos, aquariums, historic sites, and similar cultural facilities do not arm their security, or even provide defensive weapons.  
Current Bulletins

Regardless of the size, type or environment of the institution, lost children reports are a consistent concern, requiring immediate action and a preplanned response.  In at least one recent incident, security officers responding to an attempted abduction were able to successfully thwart the attempt and recover the child.  The IFCPP recognizes that based on staff availability, electronic systems, and the physical characteristics of the facility, certain procedures may vary.  However, these generic steps are recommended, when reports of lost children are received.

Officer dispatched to meet with reporting party and take detailed information.

0. Dispatcher relays known description to all staff
0. Officer(s) dispatched to cover all public entries/exits.
0. Organized search initiated to cover all public areas, storage areas, restrooms, service areas.

When notification includes any information about attempted or suspected abduction, facility should consider:

0. Immediate lockdown.
0. Notification of law enforcement.
0. Officers dispatched to exits, parking areas, vehicle exits.
0. Escort reporting party to secure location for further investigation.

Most incidents of lost children turn out to be nothing more than the temporary separation of parent and the child.  However, the incidence of stranger abduction has considerably increased, and it is the duty of each public institution to provide a safe environment for visitors, especially minor children.  The institution should publish notices to all visitors that children under 12 years of age MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times, and that incident of lost or separated children should be reported to a staff member without delay.

Persons responsible for escorting groups of children, to include schools, church groups, day camps and others should be provided with a detailed list of instructions to include locations of emergency phones or other methods of reporting problems.  Children should be advised to stay with their respective groups at all times.  Security officers MUST include public restrooms in their patrol routes, especially when children are present.  Where children’s reading rooms, petting zoos, special children’s exhibits, or similar facilities for children are present, all staff should be instructed to report any suspicious person or activity.  Children found wondering without parental or adult supervision should be taken to a reception area until a responsible adult is located.

Volunteers & Security 

On numerous occasions, we have been asked to recommend procedures for (or determine the necessity for) conduction of background investigations and/or the badging of volunteers.

Regardless of the size or type of institution, every staff member, volunteer, and regular vendor should be issued an identifiable badge that displays a photo of the person, states their name, department affiliation, and the name of the institution.  Where art handling or collection access is involved, ID badges may be color codes, or display other information that easily identifies the holder as having special privileges or access.

Every person with any kind of affiliation with the institution should receive a thorough background investigation, with the scope and depth of that investigation based on the category or employment, and the access to assets.  This includes senior management, curatorial staff, administrative staff, student assistants, researchers, secretarial help, maintenance workers, lawn care workers, VOLUNTEERS, and even vendors who regularly service the institution. 

Why?  Because losses to museums, libraries, and other institutions is in the BILLIONS.  That's millions, with a B in front.  And 90% of these losses, or MORE, are attributed to employees, past employees, friends and relatives of employees, or contractors to the institution.   IFCPP conducted an informal survey of 25 medium and large sized institutions, including museums, libraries, zoos, aquariums, and historic sites.  100% of the respondents reported that ALL of their most recently reported losses were internally related.  Certainly there are losses attributed to outside sources, but these are few when compared to the majority of known losses.

What is reasonable in the conduct of a background investigation?  According to leading industry practitioners, it is both practical and effective to require the following of all categories:

·       Criminal History

·       Employment Verification

·       Reference Verification

·       Education Verification

Based on access to assets, the following checks should be conducted, especially for anyone handling money, valuable assets, or possessing keys to storage and/or perimeter doors:

·       Credit History

·       Substance Screening

·       Motor Vehicle Record

Volunteers who have the institution's welfare in mind will not be offended by the conduct of these checks.  In fact, many volunteers state they are relieved that checks are done, because they don't always know whom they are working with.

The most damaging litigation filed against institutions include suits alleging negligence in hiring, failure to properly protect visitors and others, especially from those with known criminal pasts, deviant sexual behavior, or other questionable backgrounds.

For more detailed information including background format forms, see The Cultural Property Protection Manual or contact us for additional information.