Open Forum

Does you Museum have 24 hour security coverage? If so, how is the staff schedule divided? How many people does it take for you to manage 24 hour coverage?

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Joseph Rynasko
Manager of Safety & Security
RISD Museum
Providence RI
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Hi Joseph,

How an institution manages 24 hour coverage depends on a few factors, like facility size and whether you have a guard tour system; if museum staff are allowed in after hours; how access and fire systems are managed; what sort of fire detection/suppression system is in place; if there are controls to ensure the guard is awake, alive, and safe; etc. I'd be happy to follow-up with you with advice tailored to your specific institution.

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Catherine P. Foster, Ph.D.
Partner, Argus Cultural Property Consultants
Washington, DC
cfoster@arguscpc.com
(202) 417-7282
arguscpc.com
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Yes, I would say it depends on the size of the museum, the total number of staff at the museum (full-time vs part-time), and what the needs/requirements are for the museum. Is the museum accredited? etc. Many factors can play into it! I would be more than happy to talk more in-depth if you'd like! 

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Marissa Kucharek 
Security Coordinator
Wichita Art Museum
Wichita, KS
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-05-2025 08:47 AM
From: Joseph Rynasko
Subject: 24 Hour Security

Does you Museum have 24 hour security coverage? If so, how is the staff schedule divided? How many people does it take for you to manage 24 hour coverage?

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Joseph Rynasko
Manager of Safety & Security
RISD Museum
Providence RI
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Joseph,

Catherine and Marissa's advice is spot on. If you're looking for a free online networking space to discuss questions like this specifically with other museum security folks, you should check out the Cultural Safeguard Alliance.

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Carrie Heflin
Regional Sales Manager
Art Sentry
Cleveland OH
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-31-2025 03:29 PM
From: Marissa Kucharek
Subject: 24 Hour Security

Yes, I would say it depends on the size of the museum, the total number of staff at the museum (full-time vs part-time), and what the needs/requirements are for the museum. Is the museum accredited? etc. Many factors can play into it! I would be more than happy to talk more in-depth if you'd like! 

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Marissa Kucharek 
Security Coordinator
Wichita Art Museum
Wichita, KS