MALONE. N.Y. (WCAX) – A new security team is now in place at Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone, New York, in response to an increase in violent incidents.
Officials say the 24/7, six-member team is there to identify and de-escalate conflicts, from parking problems to bad behavior. They are not police officers and are unarmed.
“Our number-one goal is always to keep our patients and our people safe while they are with us – whether they are in the hospital, on our campus, at one of our clinics or offices, or at The Alice Center,” said the hosptial’s Jerry Dumas. “We have been very fortunate that the number of violent incidents impacting us have been minimal. Nevertheless, we have seen an increase over time. This group of specially-trained individuals will support both our patients and our people as we continue to respond to nationwide trends impacting health care organizations and caregivers at the bedside.”
The hospital says it will still work with local law enforcement to conduct arrests.