A field training program for healthcare public safety officers.

The training of professional public safety officers to meet the many and varied demands of today's healthcare environment requires both classroom training, discussed in the previous issue, and structured field training. Field training has been used effectively in law enforcement since the early 1970s, and in healthcare public safety since the 1990s. This is the third in a series of articles on all aspects of public safety personnel administration.

Public safety training as a force multiplier.

The training of public safety officers to meet the many and varied demands of today's healthcare environment is the second step in developing and maintaining a world class public safety service. Working closely with the corporate training department, and utilizing the latest adult education techniques, the public safety director can ensure that all officers are capable of meeting the challenges threatening the safety and security of his healthcare facilities. This is the second in a series of articles on all aspects of public safety personnel administration.

Recruiting and selection of healthcare public safety officers.

The recruiting and selection of professional public safety officers is the first step in developing and maintaining a world class public safety service. Working closely with the human resources department, and utilizing techniques developed by the law enforcement community, the public safety director can build a strong foundation for future growth. This is the first of a series of articles on all aspects of public safety personnel administration.

Developing a strategic security plan.

Strategic planning is an essential component of a security director job. Every healthcare organization has a strategic plan, and the security department that doesn't is at a major disadvantage when it comes to budgeting, growth and effectiveness. This article describes how a security director can develop and integrate a strategic plan into his organization's mission, vision and values.

Public safety support of a healthcare system's vision, mission and values.

A misleading perception about healthcare security as "the hospital's police force" has separated officers from any meaningful role as caregivers whose primary role is providing a safe environment for patient care. This article describes how one healthcare system developed a holistic public safety program within the context of its stated mission.

15 essential leadership skills for healthcare security managers.

How are healthcare security managers managing their departments? Some 15 leadership skills essential to healthcare management are described.