Survey: Specialized Training, Respect For Culture Key Factors In Healthcare Security Personnel Selection

  • Aug 12, 2009

The unique circumstances and institutional cultural issues found in healthcare facilities play a major role in decisions regarding security staffing, according to a recent survey of hospital executives conducted by AlliedBarton Security Services.

While quality of service, professionalism and cost were cited as important factors in staffing decisions, respondents overwhelmingly agreed that security personnel must understand the cultural sensitivities and security challenges specific to a hospital setting.

“Without exception, leaders told us that culture is king when it comes to staffing the hospital security function,” said Ken Bukowski, vice president of AlliedBarton’s healthcare division. “Security personnel not only must respect the hospital’s mission and values but also understand the delicate balance between having a ‘servant’s heart’ when interacting with patients and visitors and being able to quickly and effectively secure the hospital in the event of disruption or violence.”

The survey, which included in-depth interviews with senior level administrators at 22 organizations representing 190 acute care and specialty hospitals across the country, also underscored the importance of specialized training. In addition to understanding HIPAA and other healthcare regulations, administrators believe security personnel should receive training to de-escalate common hospital incidents and protect vulnerable populations including infants and behavioral health patients.

Approximately half of all respondents manage their security force as an internal department while the remainder outsource all or part of the function. The most common areas of concern include emergency department violence, domestic violence and vehicle break-ins or auto theft in parking areas.

“From the constant flow of patients and visitors to hectic emergency departments and an increase in new regulations, today’s hospitals face more challenges than ever before,” Bukowski said. “These findings affirm our long-held belief that security concerns for healthcare institutions are unlike any other market segment we serve. Our specialized healthcare offering including market-specific training helps prepare our security officers and managers for this unique environment.”

Featured

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

  • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

    AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

  • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

    Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.