Lenoir Memorial Hospital in Kinston, N.C., is forming its own police force to enhance safety, according to an article on the WNCT website.
Scotty Hill, the public safety director, said improving security in hospitals is a trend across the country.
"We just live in an environment across the country where everything has gotten a little more vile, little more widespread," Hill said. "So it's not unique to hospitals. It's like that in any industry."
The hospital force will initially consist of six officers. The officers will have full legal authority while on the hospital's property. Hill said they're looking to hire two additional officers.
Respecting EVS Workers: 19 Minutes Is Not Enough
Where are the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Hotspots in Healthcare?
Caravel Autism Health Opens Clinic in Lake Zurich, Illinois
The Future of Healthcare Facility Construction Projects
Ground Broken on Jupiter Medical Center's Second Hospital