Library - Safety and Security Manager

Description

The Library Safety and Security Manager leads the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of safety and security practices across the Riverside County Library System. The position promotes safe, welcoming, accessible library environments for employees and patrons.

This role provides system-wide guidance on patron interactions, behavioral incidents, security operations, physical security systems, and risk reduction. Key responsibilities include de-escalation, conflict management, security contract administration, camera systems, incident analysis, staff training, and preventive and corrective safety strategies.

The Manager collaborates with Operations Leadership, Human Resources, Branch Managers, employees, security vendors, and client partners to identify concerns, evaluate incident trends, and strengthen staff preparedness. 

Regular site visits support assessments of library environments, review of security practices, and direct guidance to employees and leaders. The Manager establishes clear safety expectations, monitors consistent application, and develops practical responses to challenging patron interactions.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES

Patron Safety and Incident Management

• Develop and maintain safety and security procedures related to patron interactions and public-facing library operations.
• Review patron-related incidents to identify trends, recurring concerns, and opportunities for prevention.
• Conduct safety assessments of library locations and recommend practical improvements to operations, staffing practices, and physical environments.
• Support managers in responding to disruptive, threatening, aggressive, or otherwise concerning patron behavior.
• Establish consistent expectations for incident reporting, documentation, follow-up, and escalation.
• Track significant incidents and prepare recommendations for leadership based on identified risks and trends.

Security Services and Physical Security

• Manage and provide oversight of contracted security services, including service expectations, staffing, performance, and incident response.
• Serve as a primary organizational liaison with security vendors and address service or performance concerns.
• Support the development of security scopes of work, post orders, and contract requirements.
• Oversee organizational practices related to security cameras and other physical security systems.
• Evaluate camera placement, coverage, functionality, and requests for new or modified security measures.
• Support authorized review and preservation of security footage related to incidents and investigations.

Training and Staff Preparedness

• Develop and deliver safety and security training for employees and managers.
• Provide training in de-escalation, conflict management, situational awareness, professional boundaries, and response to threatening or aggressive behavior.
• Train library staff on incident response, documentation, escalation, and supporting employees following difficult patron interactions.
• Develop practical guides, checklists, and response tools for use by library staff.
• Promote a culture in which employees are encouraged to report concerns, request assistance, and participate in improving safety.

Safety Analysis and Partnerships

• Analyze incident data, security activity, employee feedback, and site conditions to identify emerging risks and recurring patterns.
• Develop location-specific or organization-wide recommendations to reduce incidents and improve safety.
• Build productive working relationships with law enforcement, public safety agencies, security providers, and community partners as appropriate.
• Provide guidance regarding when security, law enforcement, emergency services, or other external support may be appropriate.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of safety and security practices and recommend improvements.

Evaluation and Reporting

• Maintain and analyze safety metrics, incident data, security activity, training completion, and corrective actions.
• Prepare reports and presentations for Operations and executive leadership regarding significant incidents, risks, trends, and prevention efforts.
• Maintain organized and appropriately confidential safety, security, and incident records.
• Other related duties, as assigned

Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS 

• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, security management, public administration, emergency management, risk management, or a related field preferred.
• Significant relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in safety, security, public-facing operations, incident management, or a closely related field preferred.
• Experience in public libraries and experience managing behavioral incidents, disruptive conduct, threats, conflict, or other public-facing safety concerns.
• Knowledge of de-escalation, conflict management, situational awareness, and related safety practices.
• Experience managing or overseeing contracted security services preferred.
• Familiarity with security camera systems and physical security practices is preferred.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to identify trends and develop practical recommendations.
• Strong training, facilitation, coaching, writing, and presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work effectively with diverse employees, patrons, vendors, and public agencies.
• Ability to remain calm, objective, and professional in difficult or high-stress situations.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and appropriate confidentiality.
• Strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and careful attention to detail.
• Requires regular travel to company and client library locations to conduct assessments, training, investigations, and other safety-related activities.
• A positive, optimistic, collaborative, and supportive attitude is essential to the position.
• Requires a valid driver’s license and frequent travel, approximately 70%, between library branches; evening and weekend work may be required.