Library - Safety and Security Manager

Library Systems & Services•Jurupa Valley, CA

23d

About The Position

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 role promotes safe, welcoming, and accessible library environments for employees and patrons and provides system-wide guidance on patron interactions, behavioral incidents, security operations, physical security systems, and risk reduction. 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, reviews of security practices, and direct guidance to employees and leaders. The Manager establishes clear safety expectations, monitors their consistent application, and develops practical responses to challenging patron interactions. The position requires regular travel between library locations to conduct assessments, training, investigations, and other safety-related activities. Evening and weekend work may be required.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, security management, public administration, emergency management, risk management, or a related field is preferred; significant relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in safety, security, public-facing operations, incident management, or a closely related field is preferred.
Experience in public libraries and 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.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to identify trends and develop practical recommendations.
Strong training, facilitation, coaching, writing, and presentation skills.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the 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.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel frequently, approximately 70%, between library branches.
A positive, optimistic, collaborative, and supportive attitude.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing or overseeing contracted security services.
Familiarity with security camera systems and physical security practices.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain safety and security procedures for patron interactions and public-facing library operations.
Review patron-related incidents to identify trends, recurring concerns, and prevention opportunities.
Conduct safety assessments of library locations and recommend practical improvements to operations, staffing practices, and physical environments.
Support managers 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 leadership recommendations based on identified risks and trends.
Manage and oversee contracted security services, including service expectations, staffing, performance, and incident response.
Serve as the primary organizational liaison with security vendors and address service or performance concerns.
Support 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.
Develop and deliver safety and security training for employees and managers, including de-escalation, conflict management, situational awareness, professional boundaries, and responses 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 library staff.
Promote a culture in which employees report concerns, request assistance, and participate in safety improvement.
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.
Guide decisions about when security, law enforcement, emergency services, or other external support may be appropriate.
Evaluate the effectiveness of safety and security practices and recommend improvements.
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.
Perform other related duties as assigned.