New Bedford, Mass.-based Southcoast Health has created an in-house police department within its division of police and public safety, the system confirmed in a statement shared with Becker’s.
Marc Duphily has been appointed the division’s first police chief, the system said.
Southcoast Health has used Massachusetts State Special Police officers for more than five years, with 12 officers across the system, and said the move to formalize its own department was driven by rising workplace violence.
In Massachusetts, workplace violence incidents in healthcare facilities have increased in frequency in recent years, with one occurring every 57 minutes in 2020, every 49 minutes in 2021 and every 38 minutes in 2022, according to a 2023 report from the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association.
“These officers work hand in hand with our public safety and emergency management teams,” the system said. “The expansion of the Southcoast Health Division of Police and Public Safety is a proactive approach that reflects our continued commitment to maintaining a safe environment for our patients, staff and visitors.”
Southcoast Health includes more than 55 locations, including three Massachusetts hospitals — Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham — as well as urgent care centers, physician practices and outpatient facilities.
The program will begin at St. Luke’s Hospital, according to WJAR.
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