Museum Security (Challenges & Remedy)

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Security and safety of cultural property and of visitors to the museum is a very important matter to be dealt with sincerity and dedication. This can be ensured by implementing proper security and safety norms in the desired degree, by adequate number of well-trained security personnel with the use of latest gadgets and state-of- the-art equipments.

It is desirable to thwart all initiatives of antisocial elements of their sinister designs and of personnel involved in illicit trafficking of invaluable antiquities and cultural property. Keeping this in view, I have put my vast experience in explaining all the aspects to provide best solution in pro viding security to the museums and the visitors alike. This will also hold good for the monuments as well. All cultural property are to be preserved and protected for the posterity as an invaluable treasure glorifying the nation's past.

Capt. Pran Ranjan Prasad (MBA) is an Army Veteran and Former Chief Security Officer of Archaeological Survey of India, Govt. of India.

He has many professional and sports achievements to his credit.

He has been the key member of the Committee in 2015 for Drafting "Comprehensive Security Policy for Museums under Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India".

This is his second book. His first book titled "Safeguarding Heritage a Monumental Glory" was published in 2008.

He is Advisor of Heritage Jharkhand.

In recent years there have been tremendous increase in the unwarranted activities by antisocial and misled elements of the society at the places of cultural property and priceless archaeological wealth. The artefacts have always been items of attraction for one and all since time immemorial. One can find them in the princely estates and with the rich and wealthy people across the world. Antique dealers engaged in illicit trafficking of cultural property are on the prowl, which is a matter of great concern to the authorities taking care of these items at the museums and at other places. Dealing in illegal business of antiquities and art objects is a very thriving business. The illegal trade, smuggling and other undesirable activities with reference to antiquities are a worldwide phenomenon. People involved in such illegal trade have a well-established network within the country and abroad to facilitate their nefarious activities. So, there is an urgent need to take effective steps to thwart the sinister designs of the offenders in their nefarious bid. As a first step, all the museums should be put under proper and effective security umbrella. Satisfactory strength of well-trained dedicated security personnel and required number of desired type of smart & intelligent gadgets is a must. Security of museum is a specialized subject; as such focused and continued training is required to be imparted to the museum security personnel. It is very important for the security personnel on duty to understand about their role and desired action to be taken under challenging situations. Considering the importance of this aspect, I could take this initiative of highlighting the importance of foolproof security at the museums because of my very long experience in this field. The subject has been dealt with keeping in view the International best practices in museum security

Always remember the key phrase-"Prevention is better than Cure". All the points mentioned in this book can easily be brought to practice.

I am hopeful that this work would serve as a guide to all the custodians of artefacts and invaluable collections in their bid to provide safety to their collections. Endeavours should be not to loose any of the objects under their protection as a result of man made of natural disaster. Challenges need to be met with matching remedial prepositions.

I am thankful to all who encouraged me to take-up this work.

I hope my effort shall do a lot of good in effective safety to the invaluable cultural property of our country.

I wish to express my warm acknowledgement to the custodians of all the museums and cultural property of our country, as also to all those whose inputs have been incorporated.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages