Managing healthcare environments in 2024 requires juggling multiple responsibilities – preventing workplace violence while increasing staff retention rates; driving better patient outcomes; preserving your brand reputation – all while keeping the business thriving. It’s a big task, and one that you shouldn’t tackle alone.

To help you navigate these complexities, we consulted with two experts: David Ballard and Rich McElwain, Flock Safety Solutions Consultants. With over 35 years of combined law enforcement experience and expertise in criminal investigations, they offer invaluable insights into creating safer healthcare environments.

This 7-part series presents actionable strategies drawn from their extensive knowledge, designed to enhance security, protect healthcare workers, and improve patient outcomes. In our sixth installment, we dive into the proactive steps you can take to ensure you have a comprehensive off-hours security plan.

Discover more security strategies for your healthcare facility in our guide: 7 Security Strategies to Protect Nurses, Doctors & Patients From Violence.

Part 6: Implement a Proactive Off-Hours Security Plan

Ensuring the safety of healthcare facilities extends beyond regular operating hours. Many areas within healthcare campuses are vulnerable during off-hours, making it crucial to implement a proactive security plan. This article covers the importance of off-hours security and how healthcare facilities can leverage technology to maintain safety around the clock.

The Importance of Off-Hours Security

During off-hours, healthcare facilities often experience reduced staffing and lower levels of activity, making them more susceptible to security breaches. Unauthorized access, vandalism, and other criminal activities can occur when vigilance is at its lowest. A proactive off-hours security plan ensures that the facility remains protected even during these vulnerable times.

How Flock Safety Can Help 

While certain areas of your campus may be closed during the evening hours, Flock Safety keeps working to ensure that you’re collecting any and all evidence that may be needed. If a vehicle enters a restricted area during off-hours, you’ll be alerted with pertinent info to rapidly respond. Plus, by pairing LPR and video, you have full context of what’s happening at your property.

You will provide law enforcement with the actionable evidence needed to prosecute the perpetrators. According to David Ballard, Flock Safety Solutions Consultant and former Lieutenant with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, “you cannot argue with a tag and a car.”

By ensuring that you have actionable evidence to present to law enforcement for a solid case, the more likely you are to deter and prevent future crimes at your establishment.

Implementing a Proactive Off-Hours Security Plan

To effectively implement a proactive off-hours security plan, healthcare facilities should consider the following steps:

1. Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the facility's security needs, identifying high-risk areas and potential threats.
2. Integration: Choose compatible technologies that can be integrated seamlessly, ensuring a cohesive security strategy.
3. Training: Train security personnel on the use of new technologies, emphasizing the importance of real-time monitoring and swift response.
4. Maintenance: Regularly maintain and update security systems to ensure optimal performance and address any vulnerabilities.

A comprehensive off-hours security strategy is crucial for maintaining the safety of healthcare facilities 24/7. By leveraging advanced technology, healthcare providers can develop a robust security infrastructure capable of promptly identifying and addressing potential threats. 

Read on to part 7: Safeguard Every Entrance with Coverage