York, Pa.-based WellSpan Health is enhancing security at its facility, including creating a private police force.
“With this initiative, WellSpan Health is continuing to take a proactive approach to enhancing our security efforts and the safety of our patients, their families, team members and all who visit WellSpan hospitals,” William White, vice president of public safety at WellSpan, said in a Sept. 5 system news release. “The security initiatives we’ve already launched have led to a 55% reduction of workplace violence injuries resulting in time off work. But we know we must do more.”
What to know:
1. WellSpan’s police force — made up of team members who have law enforcement experience and meet Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission annual training certifications — will provide 24/7 coverage across the health system.
2. Armed police force members will handle less serious crimes, take law enforcement action when necessary, and work with the existing WellSpan security team to protect people in the hospital. State and municipal police departments will still respond to serious crimes at the facilities.
3. Mr. White will serve as the department’s chief of police. He spent more than 25 years with the Pennsylvania State Police before joining WellSpan.
4. The police force will be implemented in stages and be fully operational by summer 2026.
5. In addition to the police force, the system is updating weapons detection systems at all hospital entrances.
