NCJ Number
144328
Journal
Security Management Volume: 37 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1993) Pages: 42-44,46,48
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. experiences a wide range of security challenges and has developed extensive security procedures.
Abstract
The hospital treats more than 58,000 children each year, has 200 emergency room visits daily, and is the site for 200 separate research projects. Ten off-site locations include a warehouse and several consultation clinics. The hospital is now protected by state-of-the-art electronic security, including 96 access card readers and 50 cameras. Additional security measures include bullet-proof glass on the cashier's window and pharmacy window, the use of unmarked and randomly assigned executive parking places, and an absence of signs on certain potentially vulnerable locations. The security force has 26 members, half the number in recent years, requiring modified training and equipment. Each applicant experiences prescreening and a background check. Security officers are special police officers with the authority to make arrests. They receive training in stress management, the nonaggressive techniques of aikido, fitness, simulated helipad emergencies, fire emergency procedures, infection control, and media relations. The officers receive weapons training, but are not armed. Even amid all these security procedures, the hospital maintains a focus on children's welfare and support for family interactions.