In terms of size, our museum is not that different from the ND history museum
in Bismarck. our approach to security has basically been dictated by our
corporate approach first used at our affiliate, the Canadian Museum of
Civilization. It features:

a. key cards issued to each employee. Each lock is controlled and monitored
through our corporate central computer and can be coded to accept all cards or
only those of specified employees (the card is actually a small transmitter [we
use the CardKey system] which identifies its holder to each lock is comes near.
We limit access to sensitive areas (such as collections storage) to only those
who REALLY need to have it.

b. more than 15 surveillance cameras covering all parts of the building, inside
and out.

c. Motion detectors/infrared sensors covering critical open space during quiet
hpurs and every open diorama 24 hours a day.

d. Motion detectors on virtually EVERY case in the building.

e. hosts in each gallery cross-trained to perform security functions, plus 2
backup fulltime security officers. All staff on floors carry transceivers.

f. no access by any staff permitted between time cleaners are escorted out in
late evening until 0630 next morning. In early morning and in the evening,
staff access through key card is disabled and access is controlled by remote
security room through voice codes.

g. all surveillance devices and alarms monitored by central control room in
corporate security headquarters with our own quick response team and fast
response by local police force.

h. irregular vehicle patrols during quiet hours.

j. secure key system, no master keys, security screws in cabinets, etc.


Harry Needham
Canadian War Museum