2 - The Many Facets of a Museum Security Director's Job

Abstract

This chapter emphasizes the many facets of a museum security director's job. The security director must enhance the morale of the staff as well as instill a sense of pride in the importance of the work the staff is involved in. This work includes understanding the organizational structure, assisting the public and providing information, assuring the public's personal safety, and handling special situations. Basic museum security includes property and key control as well as access control, employee screening, communications, alarms, and manning posts, as well as night supervision. Emergencies have to be dealt with without delay and guidelines and procedures established that need to be followed during a fire, an accident, an evacuation, a response to a crime, or natural disasters. The administrative duties of a museum security director include writing reports, scheduling, logistic control, weapons control, and maintenance. The supervisory role is examined in terms of leadership, motivation, performance rating, and union/labor relations. The security director must maintain a close working relationship with the local police and fire departments. In spite of all efforts to hire the best personnel, the security director must be aware of the danger from within, internal theft.