What if museum security personnel were also approachable, friendly, and able to answer questions about the art? Doug Beaver, CPP, from the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C., walks SM Highlights host Brendan Howard through his concierge security program. But what if your workplace is anything but friendly and approachable? Sarah J. Powell explains what toxic workplaces are and what you can do about them. And finally, Steven Langton, director of safety and security at the Columbus Zoo, explains some of the risks, challenges, and surprises of managing security at a major zoo, including a major campuswide rekeying project.

Additional Resources

Read more about concierge security in museums in this recent article from Security Management: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2024/04/concierge/the-art-of-concierge-guarding/

Interested in concierge security skills? Check out the full collection of SM content here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2024/04/concierge/

Want to experience this guarding model for yourself? The National Museum of Women in the Arts is open for visitors in Washington, D.C.: https://nmwa.org/

Read the Wall Street Journal op-ed from psychiatrist Dr. Samantha Boardman about labeling people as toxic here: https://drsamanthaboardman.substack.com/p/the-problem-with-labeling-people

How have toxic workplaces affected the Great Resignation? Read more in this coverage in the MID Sloan Management Review: https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/toxic-culture-is-driving-the-great-resignation/

Read more from Sarah J. Powell about when and how to get out of a toxic workplace here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2024/05/toxic-workplaces/is-your-workplace-toxic/

For more about managing workplaces and culture in Security Management’s package of content on toxic workplaces here: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2024/05/toxic-workplaces/

Interested in emergency management at zoos and cultural properties? Check out this 2022 Security Management case study with the Denver Zoo: https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2022/11/helping-the-herd-denver-zoo-conducts-first-full-scale-active-shooter-drill/

Stay tuned for more zoo security coverage later in May 2024.