NCJ Number
171988
Journal
Security Management Volume: 41 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1997) Pages: 56-61
Date Published
1997
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes the security system of Zoo Atlanta (Georgia).
Abstract
Principal concerns for zoo security include staffing, staff training, emergency preparedness, exhibit safety, public demonstrations, parking-lot security, and overnight security. In addition, the security department has an important role in designing security for new zoo facilities. The security challenge is met jointly by two security forces: the zoo's own security team and the Zone Three Police Precinct of Grant Park, the 144- acre city park in which the zoo is located. The local neighborhood association also supports these security efforts. Zoo security is staffed by a combination of 5 in-house supervisors (a captain, a lieutenant, and three sergeants), 8-10 contract security officers, several traffic aides, and an emergency medical technician. The sergeants patrol by day, and the contract officers patrol at night. Zoo security officers are trained in a variety of disciplines, with emphasis on customer service and safety. Security efforts described in this article also pertain to the design of and security for exhibits, the management of demonstrations by animal rights groups, parking-lot security, and security for special zoo events.