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Libraries in Bristol have taken the unprecedented action of hiring security guards to ensure the safety of staff and customers in the face of a wave of anti-social behaviour in the last 12 months, according to an article in the Daily Mail and the findings of a national charity Libraries Connected. While libraries have traditionally been seen as the last refuge of peace and quiet in an increasingly crazy and hectic world, they have now been targeted by disruptive behaviour to the extent that a raft of security measures are being recommended.
The story highlights the idea that no place or building is sacred and security measures need to be considered on a case by case basis and on the findings of a risk assessment, regardless of the idea that a particular place of business has previously held no security risk at all.
Libraries are more visible in some communities
A number of libraries in Bristol reported incidents of book throwing, people being deliberately loud and disruptive, confronting staff and even climbing on the roof of the building, during 2023. It is felt that libraries have been targeted purely on the basis that they are a public building where essentially ‘everyone is welcome’. Many libraries are now also ‘one-stop-shops’ where a number of other community facilities and local authority services are hosted, such as jobs/careers, housing and benefits support as well as free use of computers. And so bored teenagers and young adults are turning to libraries because they are taking on the role of a community hub, and are more visible and in focus as a central location.
However, Libraries Connected are now calling on libraries to properly secure their premises to safeguard staff and protect customers, with the primary recommendation being to employ security guards to control entrances and monitor buildings. These recommended security measures should also involve staff wearing bodycams and the library installing panic buttons and providing a safe space, i.e. somewhere staff can retreat to in order to evade confrontation. Staff should also be trained in challenging anti-social behaviour, because they don’t currently have the skills or confidence to confront disruptive people and de-escalate situations effectively.
Security guards can be employed as one of several professional security controls, and can act as a visible deterrent, and in a passive manner, to prevent incidents occurring. They can also be mobile to patrol the inside and the perimeter of a building to deter anti-social behaviour. Furthermore, security guards have the skills and experience to confront people and de-escalate situations in a safe and legal manner.
Professional security services for libraries
At a time when libraries are desperate to encourage more people to visit, in order to secure funding to continue operating, the last thing they want is for people to be put off visiting. It is essential that visitors and staff are safe and protected while in a public building, and the local authority has a legal duty to provide a safe and comfortable working environment. It is no surprise that libraries are the latest business sector to consider security controls, and while ever a security risk exists, a comprehensive risk assessment should highlight the need for implementing security measures, regardless of the historical nature of the business or the traditional threat level.
If you are managing a library that has encountered incidents of anti-social behaviour, or you are running a business where additional security measures are required, contact CSA Security Services today. We can work with you to identify your security risks and put together a proposal of security controls to suitably and effectively safeguard your people, buildings and assets. So get in touch today.
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