There are a number of ongoing activities related to library safety. As these have a bearing on policy and should be as widely known as possible, this seems like a good place to note them. Wiki participants are encouraged not to change the lists, but to make comments.

2007 activities

• Security camera system upgraded from 16 to 32 cameras, with higher resolution and better retention
• Four outdoor security cameras added, with Police ability to monitor
• Administration pursuing closer relationship with Police
• Outdoor emergency lighting repaired - other lighting under study
• Security gate in administration under study
• Monitor / LIC relationships addressed. Monitor schedules & visibility under review
• Policies updated

2008 issues

• Washington Square meetings ongoing, including Feb. 12 presentation to Library Board

• We held "Black Belt Librarian" training on Jan. 31 & Feb. 1, attended by dozens of staff
• Held brainstorming at a staff meeting to review lessons learned and ideas from Black Belt training
  • results of the brainstoming are here: Staffmtg080215.pdf.
• Plan to revitalize Safety & Security Committee - invited staff to participate, asked section heads to name representative staff
• Initial charge to committee:
  • review brainstorming from staff meeting, make recommendations
  • plan for regular safety / security inspections walkthroughs

Report on meetings with Police

Library - Police meeting - Feb. 14, 2007

Present:

Lt. Reid Holdorf

Sgt. Larry Potter

Barbara Kelly

Tony Wieczorek

Terry Dawson

• Sgt. Potter is the new Police liaison officer to the Library
• Library staff told Police they are encouraging any staff member to call Police at any time, Police agreed and approved, noting 911 should be reserved for emergency use, violence, threats, serious crimes etc.
• Library staff reviewed Wis. Stat. 43.30 (privacy of library records), especially with new Atty General's opinion, making it more important that staff witnessing problems contact Police ASAP
• Library staff said they would encourage Police to visit or walk through the library at any time, and would like a regular daily visit. Police indicated that scheduling regular walk-throughs could be a problem due to their volume of calls
• Police said they could encourage officers to use the Library or library parking lot to sit and write reports
• Library staff encouraged Police coming to the library with requests to seek contact with person in charge, not just first staff member they encountered at the desk
• Police discouraged the use of panic buttons but felt the monitor or building supervisor should have a cell phone to be quickly reachable by other library staff or police. They also suggested that cell phones could be deployed at service desks, allowing staff to discreetly call 911 using a preprogrammed button so that a patron would be unaware that the police were listening. These phones could also be useful for a staff member to carry when going alone into the stacks with a patron.
• Police were glad to hear about improvements to video surveillance system, including interior change from 16 to 32 cameras and the addition of four exterior cameras
• Police suggested ensuring that all staff has ready access to photos of people banned from the Library; library staff will consider how to provide this on the Intranet
• Police approved our offering escort service to the staff
• Police agree to consider supporting a library initiative asking for improved lighting in the parking lot & exterior areas
• Police recommended easy staff access to photos of all banned individuals. Library staff will study implementation
• Police noted that we would be most effective if all staff regard safety and security as part of their responsibility and are willing to call the Police or take other actions to maintain the Library environment
• Library staff will submit our proposed revised Security Policy to Police for review and comments

Both Police and Library staff will discuss recommendations with colleagues, and would like to have Police presentation at Library staff meeting later this year, as soon as feasible.

Library Director - Police Chief discussion - Feb. 21, 2007

I had lunch with Acting Police Chief Jim Lewis and reviewed our meeting with Lt. Holdorf and Sgt. Potter. I expressed appreciation for his staff working with us and reiterated how much we liked having Police officers stop in the library. I asked his opinion of armed guards for the library. He seemed surprised at the idea and replied that it did not seem justifiable in a community like Appleton. I told him the staff would continue to discuss and that we'd work with Sgt. Potter.

Issues & Follow up

• Security staffing - armed guard?
• Weekly newsletter to staff
• Monitors
  • increased visibility - uniforms? badges?
  • better communication - cell phones
  • extended hours
  • better communication
  • all staff meeting with Monitors
• Further follow-up needed
  • Camera procedures how & when to take pictures
  • Training concerns
    • All staff should meet as many other staff as possible
    • More attention to 6108 training
  • Library environment – seating configuration
  • Library environment - exterior lighting - need to ask Police for CPTED assessment
  • Assertiveness training / limits of customer service / staff bill of rights
  • Cell phones
  • Buttons – children’s, cash register

•  
• Banning process (2d draft with input from Police) – Police complaint/citation

   

  • Staff may always contact Police at any time.
  • Library Administration may ban individuals.
    • Library staff will initiate the ban or, in police language,  "trespass notices"
      • issue the notice on library letterhead
      • have an officer document them on PD paperwork. by providing  pertinent information to the Police liaison.
    • The ban will be recorded in the blog
    • Whenever possible, staff will get a photograph of banned individuals.  These photographs will be posted on the Library Intranet for ready access by staff.
  • In the absence of Administration staff, any library staff member may evict people from the the library on a day-to-day basis, and work with admin ASAP
• General Guidelines
  1. Safety first
  2. It's never wrong to call the Police
  3. Everyone is responsible