The advice we have always had from security advisers is that one of the main values of CCTV is the deterrent effect.  To achieve this the police tell us that it is important that people realise that their faces are recorded on CCTV as they enter the museum. 

However watching CCTV monitors is a job which requires a high degree of concentration.  

So I would agree with having the camera visible at the entrances (both public and staff/deliveries).   However having a security control office that is out of public view and free of other distractions is something I would consider sensible.  

To some extent guard presence at the entrance depends on your security risk assessment.  What are the risks your institution faces and what best mitigates them. (Personally I found the armed guards at the entrance to the Smithsonian very disturbing, thoughts along the line of "they have armed guards, how often do they get armed attacks for that to be necessary, is it safe to be here?" and I got out of the foyer as quickly as I could.  I have the, possibly very British, view that criminals are more likely to shoot at people they think may shoot them.)

Trevor Reynolds, Registrar
English Heritage, 36 Hospital Fields Road, York, YO10 4DZ
+44 (0) 1904 610322
________________________________________
From: Museum discussion list [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Marianne Richter [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 08 May 2009 19:25
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Location of security monitors

I am involved in the plans for a new art museum and was asked today by the architect whether we would consider locating the security monitors and one guard at the main entrance, sharing one long desk area with the admissions staff and information person.  He was advised that some museums are now placing a guard and cameras there to make it clear that there is security in place.

My question is whether anyone has done or considered this?  I’m concerned about that we don’t create an off-putting atmosphere for visitors, which this location might do.  On the other hand, it would be a space saver.

Thanks for any suggestions and comments!


Marianne Richter
Curator
The Briscoe Western Art Museum
315 E. Commerce, #205
San Antonio, TX  78205
(210)299-4499; (210)299-4118 fax
[log in to unmask]

========================================================= Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).


_________________________________________________________________________________

Concerned about how climate change may affect older properties? What about saving energy? 
Visit our new website www.climatechangeandyourhome.org.uk today. 

This e-mail (and any attachments) is confidential and may contain personal views which are not the 
views of English Heritage unless specifically stated. If you have received it in error, please delete it
from your system and notify the sender immediately. Do not use, copy or disclose the information in 
any way nor act in reliance on it. Any information sent to English Heritage may become publicly available.

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).