[Bookstoprisoners] Security issues - information and ideas

[Danielle Chynoweth]

IMCistas -

I won't be at Steering tonight because I am out of town, but would
like to share a few thoughts as someone who has closely witnessed and
responded to security problems in the IMC building for 2 years now and
also has a sense of our finances this Spring.

Here are a list of the problems and constraints whatever set of
solutions be decide on needs to address.  Some of the security
problems are quite serious and I would ask that the group really
consider the seriousness of our experiences to date.

I suggest using this list as a ruler for judging proposals.  It is
followed by a brainstorm of ideas created by those around the building
daily.

PROBLEMS:

- The front IMC door is left unlocked when unattended all the time.
This is because you have to remember to re-lock it after unlocking it
to go the bathroom, etc.  This is our #1 security problem.
- There are many nooks and crannies where people can hide in the
basement.  This makes the basement frightening for some tenants and
leaves open the possibility for attack.
- We have had a regular incidences of theft and property damage.  In
some cases because people snuck in through the basement.
- B2P, the Bike Shop, and Sandra's studio all have hours when they
need people to be able to easily access them.  Responding to a
doorbell every 5 minutes during a work session can be very disruptive.
- We have had several reports of people doing drugs in the basement
bathrooms and all the bathrooms have been sacked at some point.
- Lower level bathroom access is required for large gatherings
upstairs, by code.
- All members can get keys to the IMC, but there is no mechanism for
requiring continued membership so once people get a key they can
continue to have access without membership or participation.  Not only
do we lose needed funds this way but folks access the space who are
not in communication with the group about space usage.
- The lower level is dark and the light switches are hard to find.
The timed switches seem to work intermittently.

INFORMATION:

- The IMC has been running a deficit of about $1500-2000 per month
this year so far mostly due to increased power bills, vacancies, bad
weather, and problems collecting rents.
- The family room is totally under utilized and could bring in
additional income - about $350 per month.   The few activities
currently in the family room could be done upstairs where meetings
would be more accessible.
- The underground lounge is totally underutilized and could be rented
out as a studio making access to the West studios in the lower level
more secure.  Need to talk to Sandra & Maiko about this.
- Our building coordinator is only paid for 15 hours a week.  We don't
have the funds right now for additional security.
- The Kids Art Space is not currently cared for.  This Working group
doesn't appear to be active and has rarely had a presence at steering.
 Therefore that space could be available for additional meeting space.
- There are 4 doors to the lower level - all of them use the #4 key as
does the front IMC door.


IDEAS FOR SECURITY CHANGES

Ideas for Steering to consider:

- Make the downstairs limited access.  Have Bike Project and B2P keep
a list of key holders who need key access to the space - no limits to
size of this group only that they be well documented and be on the IMC
tenants list.  The CHEAP way to do this is to keep these doors on the
#4 key.  Change the ONE front IMC lock to a key and combo.  Make IMC
members who are not part of B2P, studios, or Bike Coop bring their #4
key in to get the new IMC key and combo.  Make anyone who does need
basement access sign up on the IMC tenants list to coordinate access
issues.  Contact those who don't come in on their own to get their key
(Quickbooks has a fairly complete list of keyholders).  Change the IMC
front door combo on some regular timeframe e-mail new combo to dues
paying members.

- Have B2P and Bike Coop unlock basement doors during open hours and
one person from group assigned to sweep through the whole basement and
all bathrooms before leaving and locking up.

- Change front IMC door so it automatically locks behind people -
install the electric closures for when we are really open - have
basement users enter from the basement.

- If BYOB is allowed at all - No alcohol unless Steering gives
permission.  And BYOB events must have extra insurance.

- Ban and bar anyone caught doing illegal things at the IMC - set up a
process for this.

- Don't allow late night parties except when Steering has authorized a
later end time.


Don't need additional authorization:

- Change simplex lock and only give to USPS and GMM key holders - DONE
- Change production room combo ASAP - DONE
- Fix lights in hallway downstairs ASAP - DONE
- Include in space usage policy:
	- If there is anything damaged or any police activity, you must
report it to the space coordinator - Danielle
	- Not allowed to publicize the space until you receive approval and
have paid deposit. - Danielle
- Tie fiscally sponsored groups and tenants more strongly to space and
security coordination Have designated security focused IMC members on
IMC tenants list. IN PROGRESS - Danielle
- Create emergency plan - Jason
- Ask Tricolor for ideas for securing space and solving problems - DONE
- Review access lists and update
- Have regular staffing times and staff orientation to provide oversight.
- Get city to install street light in the dark space in front - Mike will ask


Finance:

- Make a #4 key list from the list of key depositers - review this list
- Don't allow anyone who owes the IMC to book space


Shows:

- Have signed agreements with all space users with rules and
procedures. - IN PROGRESS
- Have IMC Security plan for shows - booker must write down names of
people in the roles.
- Figure out threshhold for bathroom usage and over that threshhold,
post security at the bottom of the stairs.
- Deposit for shows by IMC members required - DONE
- Have non IMC shows pay more to pay an IMC member to staff their show. - DONE
- Buy 4 walkie talkies and ask every show to use them for security -
put in the shows cabinet



- Danielle