When Do Hospitals Call the Police?
Hospitals are places of healing and care, where patients receive medical attention and treatment. However, hospitals can also be scenes of violent crimes, including assaults, thefts, and other types of misconduct. In such situations, hospitals may need to call the police to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and visitors. But when do hospitals call the police?
Reasons Why Hospitals Call the Police
Hospitals call the police in a variety of situations, including:
- Patient violence: When a patient becomes violent or aggressive, posing a threat to themselves or others, hospitals may call the police to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
- Theft or property damage: When a patient or visitor steals or damages hospital property, hospitals may call the police to report the incident and seek assistance in recovering stolen items or repairing damaged property.
- Staff or visitor misconduct: When hospital staff or visitors engage in misconduct, such as assault or harassment, hospitals may call the police to report the incident and seek assistance in addressing the situation.
- Emergency situations: In emergency situations, such as a natural disaster or a mass casualty incident, hospitals may call the police to request assistance in responding to the situation.
When Hospitals May Not Call the Police
While hospitals may call the police in a variety of situations, there are also situations where they may not call the police. These include:
- Minor incidents: In minor incidents, such as a patient becoming agitated or upset, hospitals may not call the police unless the situation poses a significant risk to the patient or others.
- Internal matters: In internal matters, such as a dispute between hospital staff, hospitals may not call the police unless the situation escalates to a point where it poses a risk to the safety of others.
- Patient confidentiality: In situations where patient confidentiality is at risk, hospitals may not call the police unless the situation poses a significant risk to the patient or others.
Consequences of Calling the Police
When hospitals call the police, there can be a range of consequences, including:
- Increased costs: Calling the police can result in increased costs for the hospital, including the cost of police services and any subsequent legal proceedings.
- Negative impact on patient care: Calling the police can also have a negative impact on patient care, as it can create a stressful and intimidating environment for patients and staff.
- Potential for harm: In some cases, calling the police can also have the potential to cause harm to patients or staff, particularly if the situation escalates or if the police respond in a way that is perceived as aggressive or threatening.
Best Practices for Hospitals
To ensure that hospitals call the police in appropriate situations and minimize the negative consequences of doing so, hospitals can follow best practices, including:
- Developing a clear policy: Hospitals should develop a clear policy on when to call the police, including guidelines for responding to different types of incidents.
- Training staff: Hospitals should train staff on the policy and ensure that they understand when to call the police and how to respond to different types of incidents.
- Communicating with patients and families: Hospitals should communicate with patients and families about the decision to call the police and ensure that they understand the reasons for doing so.
- Monitoring and evaluating: Hospitals should monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of their policy and procedures for calling the police, including the impact on patient care and the safety of patients and staff.
Table: When to Call the Police
| Situation | When to Call the Police |
|---|---|
| Patient violence | Yes, if the patient poses a significant risk to themselves or others |
| Theft or property damage | Yes, if the incident is significant or if the perpetrator is still on the premises |
| Staff or visitor misconduct | Yes, if the incident is serious or if the perpetrator is still on the premises |
| Emergency situations | Yes, if the situation poses a significant risk to the safety of patients and staff |
Conclusion
Hospitals call the police in a variety of situations, including patient violence, theft or property damage, staff or visitor misconduct, and emergency situations. While there are also situations where hospitals may not call the police, it is essential to develop a clear policy and procedures for responding to different types of incidents. By following best practices and communicating with patients and families, hospitals can minimize the negative consequences of calling the police and ensure the safety of patients and staff.
