Page 28 - Security Today, June 2017

of the park’s security system and have security responsibilities that should be reflected in the park’s standard operating procedures.
A comprehensive security system combines policies, procedures, personnel and hardware to protect museum collections from unexpect- ed losses caused by crime, negligence, fire, or other catastrophic events.
There are no cookbook solutions for security problems, and no single recipe will turn out a perfect security system every time. Each park must develop its own system. Every park is unique, faces dif- ferent threats, has different short-term objectives, and has differ- ent resources available. While security concepts are mostly common sense, applying them effectively requires care, consideration and experience.
In the museum setting, guarding the perimeter is vital. The best way in which to avoid interfering with the art experience, while keep- ing the art open and accessible, is by controlling the perimeter. Pro- tecting the exterior of a museum leads to a more relaxing interior. To support these efforts, metal detectors and bag checks are a notable means to reduce the risk of damage within gallery walls.
When visitors’ bags are checked or they are advised to leave their belongings at the entrance so that accidents are less likely to occur. Nevertheless, to effectively guard the perimeter, a security threat as- sessment must be conducted to determine potential threats to the museum’s operations. During an assessment, any vulnerabilities the museum may have will be noted. The necessary measures to secure and safeguard against these vulnerabilities will also be presented.
At the National Air and Space Museum, the commitment is to visi- tor safety. The security staff have measures in place to keep you and the objects of the museum protected. Upon arriving at the museum you can expect a full security screening similar to what you might experi-
ence at the airport, except you can keep your shoes and belts on.
Here’s What to Expect
X-ray. Bags, jackets, briefcases, purses, containers, and pocket con- tents will go through X-ray machines.
Metal detector. Visitors will be asked to go through a metal detec- tor. Those who are physically unable to do so will be hand-screened with an electronic wand.
Security staff. Keep in mind, the professional staff is here to help visitors.
At the National Museum of African American History and Cul- ture, everyone’s security and safety are paramount, and all visitors are required to pass through screening at the entrance to the Mu- seum. During the security process, you are greeted by one of our se- curity personnel who conduct a thorough but speedy hand-check of all bags, briefcases, purses, strollers, and containers. All visitors are required to walk through a metal detector. Those visitors unable to go through the metal detector will be hand-screened with an elec- tronic wand by security staff.
America’s museums house the treasures and heritage of our coun- try’s fabric. You know there is security in each of these facilities, and you have to hope they worked side by side with
a knowledgeable security professional for equip-
ment installation. Protection of our nation’s sto-
ry is paramount, and sadly, completely necessary
to preserve the past.
Ralph C. Jensen is the editor-in-chief of Security Today magazine.
MUSEUM SECURITY
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