Hospital Security Increased After Psych Patients Escape

Hospital Security Increased After Psych Patients Escape

Western State Hospital announced in a statement by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services that they would be increasing security at the psychiatric hospital following the escape of two dangerous patients.

The changes, also released in the statement, include additional patrols on the hospital campus and coordinating with the local police department to create a system that works for the facility.

The two patients who escaped from the hospital were both found missing from the dining hall Wednesday, April 6 around 7 p.m. when the hospital staffers notified police.

Anthony Garver, who was at the hospital following an arrest for first-degree murder but was found too mentally ill to stand trial, was captured Friday, April 8. The other patient, Alexander Adams, who had been sent to the hospital to receive treatment on a domestic violence arrest, was found on a public bus around 10:30 p.m. on April 7.

“We look forward to continuing the dialogue with the Spokane County Sherriff’s Office and will be extending an invitation for them to join us in reviewing security at Eastern State Hospital and implementing improvements wherever possible.” said Carla Reyes, assistant secretary for DSHS Behavioral Health Administration

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

New Products

  • 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.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • 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.