Safety & Security @ your Safety & Security @ your librarylibrary

Lisa Matte, MLS◦Director, Jervis Public Library (7+

years) Association Library

◦Teen Services Librarian, Jervis (8 years)

◦Retail Bookseller for Borders (4 years)◦Manager at McDonald’s and Wendy’s

(6 years)

Safety & Security @ your Safety & Security @ your librarylibrarySituation ExperienceEmployees selling drugs at workEmployees stealing money from cash

registerActive shooter .4 miles from workDomestic violence spilling into workplace

(public and employees)Employees stealing goodsPublic stealing goodsUse of alcohol by employees and the publicPublic and employees having sexual

encounters

How will today flow?How will today flow?

Ask questions when they come to you

Morning: Awareness and considerations

Lunch: noon-ish; 45 minutes

Afternoon: Begin a plan of action

Getting everyone on the Getting everyone on the same pagesame pageTrack incidents at your libraryConduct a concerns surveyDiscuss incidents at other

librariesEducate about vulnerabilityEducate about liability

◦Due Diligence◦Dereliction of Duty (civilian version)◦Wrongful hiring or retention◦OSHA right to safe workplace

Once all are on board: Once all are on board: ConversationsConversationsHow do you currently respond to:

◦Unacceptable behavior◦Illegal activity

How would you like to respond to:◦Unacceptable behavior◦Illegal activity

How do you balance these responses with confidentiality law?

NY Consolidated LawsNY Consolidated LawsCivil Practice Law and RulesCivil Practice Law and RulesARTICLE 45.  EVIDENCE NY CLS CPLR § 4509 § 4509.  Library records   Library records, which contain names or other personally

identifying details regarding the users of public, free association, school, college and university libraries and library systems of this state, including but not limited to records related to the circulation of library materials, computer database searches, interlibrary loan transactions, reference queries, requests for photocopies of library materials, title reserve requests, or the use of audio-visual materials, films or records, shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except that such records may be disclosed to the extent necessary for the proper operation of such library and shall be disclosed upon request or consent of the user or pursuant to subpoena, court order or where otherwise required by statute.

02/03

The Big PictureThe Big Picture

MorningSituations

Policy and procedure

Consequences (patrons, staff, mgmt.)

Physical features of building and grounds

The Big PictureThe Big Picture

After lunch: How to take actionIdentifyPrioritizeCreateCommunicateTrainAssess

Where are you now?Where are you now?The security/safety The security/safety continuumcontinuum

React < Deter < Prevent

Small libraries: Special Small libraries: Special considerationsconsiderationsYou can’t afford staff.

Can you afford not to do anything?

Have trustees rotate shiftsHave student interns assist with

projectsHave volunteers “staff” an area or

provide programs at times of high risk

Re-evaluate your hours of operation

The elephants in the roomThe elephants in the room

Sex offenders

Child pornography

Sex Offenders in the LibrarySex Offenders in the Libraryhttp://www.timesledger.com/stories/2012/43/

weprinlibraries_all_2012_10_25_q.html

Knowledge is Power!Knowledge is Power!http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/nsor/claws.htm

In the law, libraries are only mentioned as places where information about sex offenders can be distributed.

S.3744A “Provides that certain sex offenders who are released on parole may not enter public, association or free libraries.”

Bill approved by Senate, but not by the Assembly

(2011) http://legiscan.com/NY/text/S03744/id/207543 (2013)http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S2459-

2013http://legiscan.com/NY/text/A05987

Why haven’t these Why haven’t these passed?passed?Stricken in federal courts in other

stateshttp://

www.firstamendmentcenter.org/sex-offenders-can-use-libraries-says-federal-judge

http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/10th-circuit-rejects-library-ban-on-sex-offenders

Creative thinking in NYCreative thinking in NYAssembly Bill 5987http://legiscan.com/NY/text/A05987“Prohibits persons required to

maintain registration under the sex offender registration act from entering into an area or room in a public, association or free library designated as a children's section or designed primarily to serve a population under the age of eighteen.”

What does this mean for What does this mean for you?you?

When a sex offender enters the library, the response is, “How may I help you?”

Discuss and educate your boards, administration, staff

Child pornographyChild pornography

Legal loophole closedhttp://open.nysenate.gov/

legislation/bill/S7742-2011

It is illegal to possess child pornography; it is now unarguably illegal to view it online.

How would you do? How would you do? Patrons won’t return overdue

itemsPatrons are found having

intercoursePatron is masturbating in the

computer labPatron is drunk and crying loudlyPatron is smoking in the

bathroom

How would you do, con’t? How would you do, con’t? Barred patron is in the libraryPatron being on the computer

violates his or her parolePatron complains about a woman

breastfeeding in the Children’s Room

Patron steals another patron’s wallet

Discussions lead to policy Discussions lead to policy creation or fine tuningcreation or fine tuningPatron (and employee) Behavior

Computer Rules of Use

Internet Use Policy

Personal Property / Lost and Found

Unattended Children

Policy leads to procedurePolicy leads to procedureDevelop a documentation mechanism

◦ Paper or electronic◦ Address in any records retention policy you

haveDocument policy violation procedure

◦ What do we do if someone misbehaves?Create a matrix of progressive discipline

◦ From simple three strikes to more generous

◦ http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/policies/standards.html

Train on procedure◦ Eliminates the “nobody told me” factor

Practice the procedure◦ Eliminates the nervousness

Policy/Rule/Procedure Policy/Rule/Procedure ViolationsViolationsProgressive disciplinePunishment should fit the

violationBenefit of the doubtDue processEnforceableEqually enforced by all staff for

all patrons◦Sleeping◦Mental illness

Barring a Patron from the Barring a Patron from the LibraryLibraryLibrary access = constitutional

right?◦Case law (sex offenders)◦Legal opinion in Ohio

Consequences and Barring a Consequences and Barring a Patron from the Library: Patron from the Library: ResourcesResourcesPolicy Writing: The Next Level

www.librarylaw.com/librarycases.doc

Standards of Library Behaviorhttp://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/policies/standards.html

Library Codes of Conduct: Patron Discipline and the Constitutionhttp://www.olc.org/pdf/ProgressiveDisciplineProblemPatronsVSSP.pdf

Reminder: Discussions Reminder: Discussions between administration and between administration and trusteestrusteesWhat do you do if a barred

patron is on site or doing what service they’re not allowed to access? (computer, etc.)

What do you do if someone is engaging in illegal activity?

When do you call police?Who can call the police?How do you balance patron

safety and patron confidentiality?

Building features: VisibilityBuilding features: VisibilityReact < Deter < PreventReact < Deter < PreventConcerns

◦Entrances/exits◦Stairwells◦Across rooms◦Around corners◦Elevators◦Any obstruction or place to hide

Tools◦Mirrors (React and Deter)◦Surveillance cameras (React and Deter)◦Moving furniture or decoration (React

and Deter)

Building features: VisibilityBuilding features: VisibilityReact < Deter < PreventReact < Deter < Prevent

Tools◦Mirrors (React and Deter)◦Surveillance cameras (React and

Deter)◦Moving furniture or decoration

(React and Deter)

Building features: Access to Building features: Access to non-public areasnon-public areasTools

◦Occupancy sensor lighting (React and Deter)

◦Audible alarm for occupancy (React and Deter)

◦Surveillance Cameras (React and Deter)◦Door (Deter) ◦Closed door (Deter)◦Chain across entry or signage indicating

staff only (Deter)◦Locked Door or Locked Elevator Buttons

(Prevent) Key or keypads with exit bar Be sure to adhere to fire code

Building features: Access to Building features: Access to non-public areas: Tools con’tnon-public areas: Tools con’tEntryways

◦Chain across entry (Deter)◦Signage indicating staff only (Deter)◦Closed door (Deter)◦Locked Door (Prevent)

Key or keypads with exit bar Be sure to adhere to fire code

◦Locked Elevator Buttons (Prevent)

Small libraries: Special Small libraries: Special considerationsconsiderationsYou can’t afford cameras.

Can you afford not to do anything? Remember due diligence

Install mirrors (visibility)Install door locks (access)Designate a safe area Purchase personal emergency

alarms

Building features: Non-public Building features: Non-public areas: Identification of areas: Identification of unauthorized personsunauthorized personsTools

◦Name tags or lanyards◦Communication◦Training on encountering an

unknown◦Training on awareness

Workplace Security Awareness from FEMA and DHS

http://emilms.fema.gov/is906/index.htm

Building features: Access Building features: Access to Cashto CashILS vs. retail cash managementEqually secure from public and staffPhysical barrier between public and

staffFace the publicStorage secured

◦Donation bucket attached◦Cash register vs. cash pouch◦Cash register locked◦Cash drawer in an office locked

Storage out of sight

Access to Cash: Procedural Access to Cash: Procedural concernsconcernsIssue numbered receipts with

carbonsReconcile drawer with ILSMake bank deposits at

unpredictable timesChecks and balances when possible

◦Two people count deposit and drawers◦One person place orders, different one

pay billsAudit or review regularly

Safety & Security @ your Safety & Security @ your library:library:Take ActionTake Action

Identify PrioritizeGather toolsCreate (and Crib!)CommunicateTrainAssess

Safety & Security @ your Safety & Security @ your library:library:IdentifyIdentify

Brainstorm situations, policies, procedures, and building features

Conduct a concerns surveyCustomize and complete a

building survey◦Google “Checklist for library and

building security” Choose the .doc to customize

Safety & Security @ your Safety & Security @ your library:library:PrioritizePrioritizePut the concerns in each category in

order of importance◦Liability◦Most likely to encounter◦Highest level of concern on survey

In a small library?Trustees take an active roleShare the work among multiple

librariesEnlist patrons

Safety & Security @ your Safety & Security @ your library:library:Gather toolsGather toolsSample policiesRelevant lawsArticles in professional journalsBooksLook for training providers outside

the profession ◦SHRM http://www.nysshrm.org/

chapters.php◦Chambers of Commerce◦Department of Labor◦American Red Cross ◦American Heart Association

Safety & Security @ your Safety & Security @ your library:library:Create & fine tuneCreate & fine tuneDraft policiesDocument proceduresCreate training materialsCreate progressive disciplineCreate a physical security planObtain pricingReview for enforceability and

practicalityReview by board, attorney, codes,

fire inspector

Safety & Security @ your Safety & Security @ your library:library:CommunicateCommunicateTell staff, etc. about the policy,

procedure, progressive discipline, upcoming security enhancements

Make the public policy manual, safety manual available to the public

Make the internal procedures accessible to staff

Is there a trend?Is there a trend?Does your library have…Does your library have…Question Yes No/Don’t

Know

Computer rules of use?

100% 0

Internet use policy?

95.7% 4.3%

Patron Behavior policy?

95.7% 4.3%

Is there a trend?Is there a trend?Do Do youyou know how to react know how to react to…to…Question Yes No/Don’t

Know

Patron who won’t get off computer?

66.7% 33.3%

Child pornography being viewed on Internet?

62.5% 37.5%

Someone who will not leave at closing?

54.2% 54.2%

Is there a trend?Is there a trend?Do Do youryour staff, volunteers, staff, volunteers, etc. know how to react to…etc. know how to react to…Question Yes No/Don’t

Know

Patron who won’t get off computer?

61.9% 38.1%

Child pornography being viewed on Internet?

63.6% 36.4%

Someone who will not leave at closing?

45.5% 54.5%

Is there a trend?Is there a trend?Gap between policy versus

application/procedureGap between administrator and

staff knowledge

Safety & Security @ your Safety & Security @ your library:library:TrainTrainIdentify training needsDocument training

◦Trainer and trainee sign off on trainingConsider tracking training on a

chartBe consistent

Training doesn’t cost. It pays.

Train for language.Train for language.

Instead of…Instead of…If only the patrons would not hog

the computers

Try…If only we had time limitsIf only we had more computersIf only we…

Instead of…Instead of…If only the patrons would leave at

closing time

Try…

Think React < Deter < Prevent

Instead of…Instead of…If only the patrons would be quiet

in the library

Try…

Instead of…Instead of…If only patrons would/would not

____________

Try…

Safety & Security @ your Safety & Security @ your library:library:AssessAssessVary type, timing

◦Announced and unannounced◦Written and observation◦Start simple

One question via email (documented)

Be reasonable and realisticUse the tool properlyDon’t let perfection be the enemy

of completion.

Practice: Active shooter Practice: Active shooter trainingtrainingView the

videohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VcSwejU2D0

Answer these questions with traditional and creative answers:◦How could you get out of the library?◦Where could you hide?◦What could you use to fight?

Complete FEMA traininghttp://emilms.fema.gov/IS907/

index.htm