NCJ Number
67463
Journal
Security Management Volume: 24 Issue: 5 Dated: (MAY 1980) Pages: 84-87
Date Published
1980
Length
4 pages
Annotation
THE PROS AND CONS OF ARMING SECURITY OFFICERS ARE IDENTIFIED, AND THE SECURITY PROGRAM OF A MEDICAL CENTER THAT DOES NOT ARM ITS OFFICERS IS DESCRIBED.
Abstract
SECURITY OFFICERS GENERALLY FAVOR BEING ARMED BECAUSE THEY FEEL VULNERABLE IN POTENTIALLY VIOLENT SITUATIONS. UPPER LEVEL MANAGEMENT, ON THE OTHER HAND, OPPOSES ARMING SECURITY GUARDS BECAUSE OF CONCERNS OVER IMAGE, LIABILITIES, AND INSURANCE COSTS. THE WEAPONS DILEMMA IS ALSO AFFECTED BY SUCH FACTORS AS THE CRIME RATE IN THE COMMUNITY, THE COMPANY'S CLIENTELE, AND THE PRODUCTS OR PEOPLE BEING SECURED. IN MOST CASES, THERE IS NOT APPARENT JUSTIFICATION TO ARM SECURITY OFFICERS. AT THE ALBERT EINSTEIN MEDICAL CENTER IN PHILADELPHIA, A FIRM COMMITMENT EXISTS NOT TO ARM SECURITY OFFICERS WITH WEAPONS OF ANY TYPE. IF INDIVIDUAL OFFICERS FEEL THREATENED, THEY CALL FOR BACK UP FROM OTHER SECURITY OFFICERS, USING TWO-WAY RADIOS. WHEN FURTHER ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED, THE POLICE ARE CALLED. SINCE THE STAFF IS COMMONLY CONFRONTED WITH RESTRAINING VIOLENT PEOPLE, THE DILEMMA HAS BEEN TO FIND A WAY FOR OFFICERS TO PROTECT THEMSELVES WITHOUT WEAPONS AND STILL FULFILL THE SECURITY NEEDS OF THE FACILITY AND STAFF. THE SOLUTION BEGAN WITH THE CREATION OF A COMMITTEE ON THE MANAGEMENT OF VIOLENT BEHAVIOR TO ANALYZE THE INCIDENCE OF CRIME AND PLAN A COURSE OF ACTION. THE COMMITTEE EXPLORED THE CAUSES OF VIOLENT BEHAVIOR AND THE VARIETY OF METHODS OF PREVENTING AND DEALING WITH IT. A TRAINING PROGRAM FOR SECURITY OFFICERS WAS DEVELOPED WHICH USES A VIDEO PRESENTATION PREPARED BY THE CANADIAN MINISTRY OF HEALTH FOR INSTRUCTING THOSE WHO DEAL WITH PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS. SOME ADDITIONAL MATERIAL AND HANDS-ON TRAINING SESSIONS MAKE UP THE 2-DAY PROGRAM. EVALUATION BY TRAINING PARTICIPANTS AND THEIR SUPERVISORS SHOWS THE PROGRAM HAS IMPROVED PARTICIPANTS' EMOTIONAL, INTELLECTUAL, AND PHYSICAL ABILITIES IN THE HANDLING OF VIOLENT PERSONS. (RCB)