By Obomeghei Mubarak
|
Security is any activity involved in the protection of a country, building, property, a person or organization from an attack or danger. Protection in this context includes prevention, response to preemptive attacks and measure taken to prevent spying, attack, theft, vandalism and so on (okpoko2011:272) Museum security comprises of all actions of management of the museum that ensure the safety of its collection, staff and visitors to the museum. “The Mona Lisa” by leonado, “Then scream” by Eduard munda, ”Harlequin Head” by Picasso and “Jacob de Gheyn” by Rembrand.
What do these priceless painting have in common? They have all been stolen from museums.
Museum galleries need guards who are physically strong, observant and not beyond early middle age. (A standard gag among criminals is that staff are often of the same vintage as the exhibits they are guarding.
Michael Daley, director of Art watch uk, wakes the pragmatic point that curators should assess thoroughly the security measures at any museum that they are going to entrust with a loan item. CCTV vs Human response:
The concensus among curators that technology has much to offer but will never replace the human response is difficult to argue with, but only if we are confident that guards will prove to be consistently alert and conscientious. Scepticism about the merits of video surveillance prompts many museums to pay more attention installing CCTV in their gift shops than in the exhibition halls. Curators also argue that unless CCTV is scrutinised non-stop by guards (and a few museums have the man-power for this) it merely gives a record of the theft. Install good looks enforce key control: Lock the doors and keep the secured collection room(s) secure. Not everyone needs keys to the museum or unaccompanied access to the collection. Only staff responsible for the collection should have keys to the collections storage and unaccompanied access.
Taking museum security beyond theft: Theft is not the only issue museums face. Your collection is also prone to nature attack as well. Security should include fire and smoke detection. Special glass: Glass plays a huge role in protecting pieces of art. Not only does it ward off finger smudges from prying hands, it also can protect pieces from harmful UV rays, which can cause fading in paintings as well as on furniture, sculptures, or manuscripts. Vibration sensors: Vibration sensors can detect even the highest pressure from curious fingers. Once triggered, the sensor sends a message to a control room, alerting security where the damage is taking place, along with a picture of the art in danger. Such sensors are often placed in several areas around a piece and can be customized so that the alarm sounds after a single touch. Conclusion: The existence of any museum is hinged on its collection. Therefore, the security of these priceless arts must not be compromised.
