This responds Chantel Cummings [log in to unmask]>
06/08/98 01:55pm who asked
What is the maximum size handbag/briefcase, etc. that you
allow into your museum?

The general answer is a shopping bag from grocery store
size to museum shop bag size. But the sign should read:
We reserve the right to check all bags entering and leaving.
We request that bags larger than this be checked or not
brought into the institution."

There are three related size questions:
1) What size to you check COMING IN the door? (What do
you want kept out of the building legitimately, such as
firearms and other weapons, contraband, or dangerous
items--down to what size?) It depends on the threat and
frequency of problems, such as guns brought in (they often
are, whether discovered or not), alcohol brought in (without
permission, to the liability of the institution), and contraband
or dangerous items brought in (Did you ever catch someone
just bringing in their portable gasoline can because they
didn't want it overheating in the car all day?). What you don't
catch, you can be victimized by and you may be liable for, if
you don't post a sign, clearly inform staff what they can and
cannot bring in, and actually, regularly check for. If it's
dangerous or illegal, don't let it in. BEST ANSWER: See the
general answer above. Post signs that you can check
everything and on occasion do so. Get staff in the habit of
being good examples for the visitors. Upgrade and
downgrade the randomness of checks according to need,
and be extremely fair in the randomness (every third or every
fifth person with small bags, but everyone with large
bags)--it's what you would say to a judge if taken to court
about it.

2) What size MUST BE CHECKED? (What do you want kept
from being carried around in public areas, for security or
safety reasons? This often coincides with what you turn
away from the door check above.) Checkrooms are good
institutional alternatives for not permitting acceptable but
oversize objects from travelling through the galleries. But if
you put these in lockers or employ staff or contractors to
handle them, what jeopardy do you put them in? It's better
that they're all checked before coming in. If it's dangerous or
illegal, don't check it. Checkrooms are notorious liability
spots for switches such as "That's not mine: where is my
Nikon camera?" and "That's not mine: where is my expensive
coat?" Many people contract out the liability. The signs "Not
responsible for..." are not legally defendable--you are liable,
either way. BEST ANSWER: the general answer above,
AND: whatever would cause disruptions or damage in the
galleries, such as stick umbrellas and canes (falling and
pointing hazards), strollers (tripping hazards in fine art
galleries), and large bags and backpacks (bumping hazards
in crowded areas). Inspect before storing. No food or drinks
(where you would be liable for their causing problems without
refrigeration later).

3) What size do you check GOING OUT THE DOOR? (What
do you want to check going out, to ensure that something is
being taken out inappropriately or illegally--down to what
size?) What is the smallest kind of collection that could be
secreted and could you really check for it? Paintings and
machinery can be seen going out the door, but stamps and
coins not so. The "reasonable bag" size is defendable in
court, depending on what your gift shop provides as bag
sizes, and if you would be checking dozens of shop bags
each day... BEST ANSWER: Check all bags larger than a
"purse" by asking the individual to open for your staff to
"peer" in. We respect the personal privacy of small wallets
and pill cases, but cosmetic cases should be opened, as
well as large "pocketbooks." Ask for help to see what is
there, even if the individual must remove some of the
objects--don't put fingers into anyone's bags. "For your own
safety, we ask that everyone taking objects out show us
what is being removed, so that no one is unfairly accused of
taking objects out illegally. IT IS THE LAW"

Rules are made for good reasons that should be clear,
explicit, explainable, sensible, enforceable and legally
defendable. They should be in writing, enforced, able to be
reasonably explained in court, and fairly applied even as a
random check. BEST ANSWER: Post all rules in a positive
way, with the "why", such as "For the safety of everyone in
this building, we reserve the right to inspect what you bring
in, and deny objects known to have caused problems here
before."

No guard at the door? Then maybe "Persons leaving with
bags are required to show their contents to the gift shop
staffer nearby."

Do you have at least one closed circuit television camera?
Then consider posting "Caution: For your safety, some public
areas of this institution are under electronic surveillance and
may be recorded."

The criticality and the frequency of actual inspections in and
out, and the tightness of the checkroom procedures depend
on the current risk and the history of objects coming in and
going out illegally, along with any lawsuits involved.
______________________
Smithsonian Institution
Protection Training
David Liston