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