NCJ Number
58003
Date Published
1978
Length
67 pages
Annotation
THIS REPORT CONTENDS THAT LACK OF APPROPRIATE SECURITY MEASURES IN U.S. AIR FORCE MEDICAL FACILITIES MAY RESULT IN THE THEFT OF SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNTS OF GOVERNMENT PROPERTY AND HIGH RISKS OF CRIMINAL VICTIMIZATION.
Abstract
AN EXAMINATION OF CIVILIAN HOSPITALS INDICATES THAT THE ISSUE OF SECURITY IS A RAPIDLY GROWING AREA OF CONCERN AMONG PROFESSIONALS IN THE FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL AND PRIVATE SECURITY. IN THE AIR FORCE, THERE IS GENERAL COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT, CRIME PREVENTION, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SECURITY MATTERS ON MILITARY INSTALLATIONS. AIR FORCE DIRECTIVES, HOWEVER, DO NOT MENTION OR ADDRESS HOSPITAL SECURITY. MEDICAL MILITARY FACILITIES ARE VULNERABLE TO CRIMINAL ACTIONS SUCH AS THEFT, PILFERAGE, VANDALISM, AND CRIMINAL ASSAULTS UPON PATIENTS, STAFF, AND VISITORS. SECURITY PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED AT INDIVIDUAL FACILITIES ARE GENERALLY TREATED AS LOCAL PROBLEMS TO BE CORRECTED BY LOCAL SECURITY AND MEDICAL OFFICIALS. IN 1976, A RESEARCH PROJECT WAS INITIATED BY THE AIR FORCE TO INVESTIGATE HOSPITAL SECURITY PROBLEMS AND REQUIREMENTS. SECURITY POLICE STAFF REPORTS HIGHLIGHTED PROBLEMS OF SUPPLY MANAGEMENT AND SECURITY MOTIVATION AMONG EMPLOYEES AS KEY DEFICIENCIES. TO OBTAIN MORE THOROUGH DATA ABOUT HOSPITAL SECURITY PROBLEMS AND PRACTICES IN AIR FORCE AND NONMILITARY MEDICAL FACILITIES, DATA WERE OBTAINED FROM A REVIEW OF CIVILIAN HOSPITAL SECURITY AND RELATED INDUSTRIAL SECURITY LITERATURE; OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS OF THE AIR FORCE, THE U.S. NAVY, AND THE VETERANS ADMINISTRATION; AND VISITS TO SELECTED MILITARY INSTALLATIONS AND MEDICAL FACILITIES AND INTERVIEWS WITH MILITARY HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATORS AND SECURITY OFFICIALS. STUDY FINDINGS SHOW THAT SECURITY PROBLEMS IN AIR FORCE MEDICAL FACILITIES ARE COMPARABLE IN NATURE AND MAGNITUDE TO THOSE ENCOUNTERED IN BOTH CIVILIAN INSTITUTIONS AND MEDICAL FACILITIES OF OTHER MILITARY INSTALLATIONS. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT FROM 3 PERCENT TO 20 PERCENT OF ALL HOSPITAL COSTS ARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES, WITH THE AIR FORCE SUFFERING ANNUAL LOSSES RANGING FROM $17.7 MILLION TO $118 IN MEDICAL GOODS AND SERVICES. IT WOULD BE DESIRABLE FOR AIR FORCE AUTHORITIES TO DEVELOP SOME TYPE OF MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM TO ESTIMATE LOSSES MORE ACCURATELY. OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS INVOLVING A CENTRALLY COORDINATED CORRECTIVE EFFORT TO REDUCE THE EXTENT OF THEFT ARE OFFERED. FOOTNOTES AND A SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY ARE PROVIDED. (DEP)