NCJ Number
111054
Editor(s)
J Webster
Date Published
1987
Length
25 pages
Annotation
Based on a victimization survey and an analysis of police and hospital security records, this British study analyzes crime in and around a general hospital and proposes measures to reduce crime and the fear of crime.
Abstract
Over 1,000 hospital employees were surveyed regarding their experiences of criminal victimization in and around the hospital. Overall, 1 in 3 staff reported being victimized by at least one crime. There were high levels of crime involving motor vehicles and personal theft to the extent that a substantial proportion of respondents feared becoming crime victims. In an effort to counter personal theft from staff residences, options under consideration by the hospital are the elimination of visiting hours, the use of entry phones, a front door alarm, establishment of a concierge system, and a residence watch. Hospital administrators are discussing the installation of coin-operated lockers in wards of sufficient size. Regarding auto crimes, security patrols have been heightened to control the use of the parking areas. All parking areas now have floodlights to improve surveillance. A locked car compound is being provided for night staff, and closed-circuit television surveillance will be available in the near future. Improved surveillance measures are expected to reduce the fear of crime. 3 tables and 23 references.