Security Attire and Equipment

Security Attire and Equipment

The attire worn by healthcare security staff and equipment carried by the security officer establishes the image of the protection program and, very often, the perception of personal safety for those who work on campus or visit the healthcare facility. The assigned responsibilities of and type of attire worn by security officers determines how the security officer will be equipped.

Uniforms

There is a wide variety of attire options available to the healthcare security program. A continuous debate is whether security officers should wear a traditional uniform or a blazer and slacks. The security ‘polo style’ shirt and matching uniform pants have recently entered the exchange. The consensus of healthcare security administrators is that security officers should not be outfitted in plainclothes.

The true plainclothes approach, identifying security only by the facility name badge, is practically nonexistent in the healthcare field today. Management, training, or investigative staff may wear business attire due to the nature of their individual role and function. However, not to equip security officers with a uniform, regardless of the style chosen, creates a mixed message about the importance of security to the healthcare organization. The lack of visibility and loss in customer service are unacceptable.

Use of Firearms

Whether security officers should be equipped with side-arms requires constant evaluation and reexamination. The answer is found in individual program needs, and the question cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. For program effectiveness and deterrent value, the preponderance of evidence supports armed security officers. However, armed officers may prove a detriment in various situations or functions rather than an asset.

Proponents of providing firearms for healthcare security officers argue that if an organization gives officers the responsibility of protecting life and property, it should provide them with the tools to do their job. Officers who can meet force with force can more efficiently carry out their responsibilities. Those against providing firearms often cite the liability involved and almost always stress a case in which a firearm was used inappropriately. Some opponents argue that security officers guard property and need not use deadly force. The firearm does nothing more than allow officers to protect themselves and others while they protect property. The value of property is significant only to the extent that it invites intruders. If security officers are expected to confront strangers, their personal safety must be paramount regardless of property value.

Use of Force

The use of force by healthcare security officers is sometimes necessary to maintain order and safeguard staff, patients, and visitors in a healthcare environment. The security officer must occasionally use a certain amount of force, from mere presence and verbal persuasion to physical intervention, to overcome resistance and ensure compliance with hospital policy and medical care plans.

As outlined in this chapter, there are various tools and mandated limitations on the use of force in the healthcare setting. In Garcia v. Bronx Lebanon Hospital, 2001 WL 128893 N.E. 2d-NY, the appellate courts ruled:

even assuming the (security officers) were justified in using force to subdue the patient because of his own inappropriate conduct; the court found an issue remained as to whether the degree of force used was reasonable under the circumstances. Even if the use of force was justified, the security (officers) could lawfully use only that amount of force necessary to control the patient, no more!

Security Officer Use of Physical Force

STATEMENT: Healthcare facilities (HCFs) will develop policies and procedures that include the identification of situations, both clinical and non-clinical, in which security officers are permitted to use force. The amount of force to be used will be that which is objectively reasonable and takes into account the totality of the circumstances.

Training

Deciding on the proper equipment to be used by security officers is an important first step, but it does not end there. The proper use of each item is essential. Initial officer training must be supplemented with periodic retraining. Equipping the officer with nonessential items needlessly increases the training time and the resulting program cost.

Security Operations Manual

The security operations manual brings together the security policy, standards, and general procedures. This manual should not be confused with the employee handbook, which basically contains the personnel policies of the organization. It is intended to furnishsecurity officers with the information needed to perform their job effectively. The content of this manual varies from organization to organization. The typical manual includes the following general information:

1. Purpose and scope of the healthcare organization.

•       Table of organization
•        Key personnel (possibly with pictures)
•        Plot plans

2. Purpose and scope of the security program

•        Organizational chart
•         Position descriptions (brief narratives)