Rx-Security for Pharmacists

• NCJ Number: 76530
• Journal: Security Management Volume: 25 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1981) Pages: 9-11,13-15
• Author(s): M A Kmet
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Background information on the extent and causes of pharmacy robberies and on efforts to prevent them is presented.

Abstract

In 1979, 22 percent of all drugstore losses were the result of armed robbery; 1,824 incidents were reported, up 33 percent from 1978 and double the number reported in 1976. Estimates indicate that about 90 percent of these robberies occur in the pharmacy. One source suggests that when other avenues of obtaining illegal drugs are closed, crime against pharmacies increase. These stores are considered vulnerable because they are frequently isolated from other stores; they close late at night; and they have a minimum number of employees and large quantities of money, merchandise, and drugs. Suburban stores on main thoroughfares are especially susceptible, and older neighborhood pharmacies are often hit because they are less likely to include security in the hardware or design of the store. Government security standards established through the Controlled Substances Act require locks on doors and windows, locked cabinets for storing controlled substances, key controls, alarm systems, and rapport with the local police. However, many pharmacists find these guidelines inadequate and add bars or metal grates to doors and windows and store controlled substances in safes secured to the floor. Alarm systems provide some protection -- especially more recent models -- but other security measures, such as reducing the quantity of Schedule II drugs stocked and placing the drug counter in the front of the store where it can be more easily kept under observation are recommended. Recent suggestions for legislation which would make the robbery of drugs from a pharmacy a Federal offense are reviewed. Included are HR 2034, or the Pharmacy Protection and Violent Offender Act of 1981, and Drug Enforcement Administration proposals. Photographs are provided. A reference list is not included.