Q: What resources can hospitals use to manage workplace violence?

A: The law enforcement department in your community is a significant resource for healthcare in designing a united front in managing workplace violence. A strong and consistent relationship between the law enforcement leaders and the hospital leaders promotes safety for your institution and ensures a final process when violence occurs.

Here are some actions and tactics to consider in your program:

1. Develop a direct communication plan between the hospital and law enforcement to troubleshoot emergencies. Have the leaders from law enforcement and the hospital meet regularly, including front-line staff. Record meeting notes and send them to the Environment of Care Committee for sharing and consistency.
2. Consider including law enforcement in your security huddles.
3. Develop a prior notification process with law enforcement that addresses incarcerated individuals or other persons in a "Not Free to Leave" status. This provides advance notice to the emergency department of a potential high-risk patient.
4. If you have a hospital security department, consider making the security supervisor the point of contact for any officer coming to the hospital.
5. A weapons policy that addresses managing a police officer's weapon if they are injured and brought into the emergency department.

These are just a few of the actions that can be taken with your local law enforcement agency to improve the overall safety of your facility. Enlisting their assistance and creating a relationship is pivotal to a successful workplace violence program.

If you would like a copy of Carrie's article, "Teaming Up with Law Enforcement in Healthcare," please email info@complianceonegroup.com with "Carrie's Article" in the subject line.