NCJ Number
85316
Date Published
1982
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The environmental systems approach to hospital security views the hospital as a system of interacting elements operating in a particular social and physical environment.
Abstract
The environmental systems approach first involves the assessment of the sources of potential threat to the functioning of the hospital and the subsystems within the hospital. Next, measures are developed to counter the security threat. Continuing evaluation of the security systems determines their effectiveness and also identifies changes in threats and recommends new security systems to counter emerging problems. Contingency management and emergency planning are also part of a systematic security approach. In assessing threats to hospital security, three systems bear upon the security of the hospital: (1) the external environment, which includes the social and physical characteristics of the surrounding area; (2) the physical structure of the building, which includes the external architectural as well as physical design of the interior of the building; and (3) the internal operating systems of the hospital, sych as nursing, wards, emergency room, and the pharmacy, as well as maintenance, accounting, personnel, laundry, and dietary services. External contingencies, including natural and man-made disasters, large-scale emergencies, and civil disturbances, which threaten the delivery of medical services, should be anticipated, and the ability of the facility to function under such circumstances should be protected. Each hospital security system should be unique because of threats peculiar to its particular environment. Security planning should involve the participation of all members of the hospital staff.