Museum Security Basics

Although occasional museum heists make front-page news

, most small museums grapple with more routine, day-to-day security issues. Armed thieves with an eye on iconic masterpieces are not the only security risks faced by museums. While institutions such as the Smithsonian have large security forces, the smaller community museum may be underfunded, with little to no budget for security improvements. Luckily, there are several simple devices that can ensure that both the museum's collections and its employees and visitors are well protected.

The first step is to stop unwanted visitors from breaking in. Place security cameras (either dummy or real) near the entrances to your museum. Surveillance cameras should also be placed indoors near particularly valuable artifacts as a theft deterrent measure. Wireless cameras are ideal for museums looking for a cost-effective solution, because you'll avoid needing to drill into the walls or run wires. Dummy cameras have a proven psychological benefit, while surveillance cameras can catch perpetrators in action, helping your museum retrieve stolen artifacts and catch perpetrators after the fact.

Protect doors and windows with simple wireless door and window alarms, which can be installed in just minutes with no modifications to the existing structure. These types of alarms can also be used as personal alarms or 'panic buttons' for museum employees, and can be placed in convenient locations around the building, such as at the front desk or in the offices upstairs. In addition, they can be used on the openings of exhibit display cases. If a visitor tries to open the case, the alarm will sound. This may also be a good option if visitors frequently come near doors meant for employees only. Off-limits areas may also be protected using a Safety Beam, which sounds an alarm if a specified line is crossed. These motion-activated alarms are also an ideal choice for protecting your museum at night.

If you have valuable objects in your museum, consider effective security screening procedures for the entrance of the museum. A handheld metal detector can protect you from armed burglaries. If your museum has a collection of metal objects, similar security screening at the exits can ensure that small pieces do not walk out in someone's pocket. It is also a good idea to have a bag and coat check near the door to prevent opportunities for theft.

Museums should be worried not only about potential theft, but also about the safety of museum staff and visitors. Install plenty of safety lighting near the floors so that people can find their way around and to the exits if the lights go out. Don't forget about emergency kits placed in convenient locations. Your museum should have emergency supplies in areas that will be easily accessible during any emergency, such as a medical incident or a natural disaster.

If your museum can't afford a million-dollar security overhaul, don't despair. Even museums with small budgets can do a lot to prevent theft in the museum. For less than a hundred dollars, you can outfit your museum with simple security measures that will go a long way towards protecting your collection, your staff, and your visitors.

Museum Security Basics

By: Richard Armen

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