Wouldn't the security contractor consider not requiring "uniforms" for
personnel on duty?  That has worked elsewhere and also is my personal
experience.  The museum could, if necessary, provide blazers & slacks.

If appearance is the only concern, security people can work just as well
without an uniform.  If having an interactive host is the concern, then that
would be a function of visitor services.
Ross Weeks Jr.
Historic Crab Orchard Museum & Pioneer Park
Tazewell, Va.
http://histcrab.netscope.net

----- Original Message -----
From: "Searl, Marjorie" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, October 13, 2001 10:30 AM
Subject: security officers and "hosts"


> My museum will be renewing its contract with a security company.  Several
> staff members have wanted to consider employing non-uniformed "hosts" in
> combination with uniformed officers in order to create a less
> institutional-appearing environment.  We receive comments from visitors on
a
> regular basis that include complaints about being "followed around by
> guards."
>
> While we would never want to compromise the security of our museum, we are
> open to evaluating ways in which we can reconfigure the security presence
> and use alternative systems to create a more welcoming environment in the
> galleries.
>
> I would appreciate feedback from colleagues whose museums have
incorporated
> non-uniformed employees in a security role, with and without success.
With
> many thanks -
>
> Marjorie Searl
> Memorial Art Gallery, University of Rochester
> [log in to unmask]
>
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