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

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.