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Six tips to secure your hospital’s parking lot

Healthcare Security Weekly, February 16, 2004

The hospital parking lot or parking garage is where patients and visitors often feel unsafe, says Fredrick Roll, MA, CHPA-F, CPP, president of Roll Enterprises Inc., a Denver-based health care security and training firm.

Although the parking lot sits outside of the hospital, the hospital security department must still make sure this area receives proper care and coverage.

"Visibility is key," Roll says. "Deterrence is the main objective."

By taking some initiative in setting up security outside the hospital, staff and visitors will feel safer and could potentially scare off criminals, Roll says.

The following six tips can boost your outside security:

  • Add an emergency call box equipped with a flashing light to your parking garage or parking lot. Don't forget to keep instructions onsite of how to use the call box.
  • Use security patrol vehicles that are clearly marked and also come equipped with some sort of flashing light.
  • If your hospital doesn't have security officers covering the outside area, look into contracting outside security officers for extra control.
  • Consider investing in a surveillance camera. Although it's rare that a security department will catch a crime in progress on the live video, Roll says, the camera will help during the investigation and give the perception of better security.
  • Crosstrain staff who may have jobs involving the outside areas of the hospital. For example, some hospitals may offer shuttle service around campus. Roll says the shuttle bus driver could easily receive training on observing suspicious people, as well as communicate through a security radio. "It's a way of expanding the force without adding people," Roll says.
  • Hang up signs displaying the various security measures at your facility. For instance, make people aware of an emergency call box, surveillance cameras, or patrol cars. But remember that if you don't actually have the piece of equipment or security, you can't put up a sign saying you do, Roll says.

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