Behind the Scenes - LMH Police
Hundreds of people enter Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) every day, including employees, patients receiving medical care and visitors. For the health and wellbeing of all, safety is a top priority. To ensure quick response to any situation that might arise, LMH employs an independent police force. The LMH Police are tasked with similar primary duties of any police officer – to protect people and property within LMH and the buildings nearest to LMH that are staffed by employees of Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS).
Currently there are 11 officers within the LMH Police Department, nine full-time and two part-time staff members. While on duty, the officers often walk the hallways of LMH and offer assistance where needed. The officers also patrol the parking lots and other LMHS buildings. Additionally, LMH officers assist outside law enforcement agencies.
Each member of the Department is required to graduate from the Ohio Peace Office’s Training Academy before receiving certification as a police officer. “In addition to standard police training, we require our team members to be proficient in crisis intervention,” Vice President Safety and Security and Human Resources Holly Slaughter said. “We understand tensions can run high during medical emergencies, and we want the officers to be prepared to be a mediator for those under stress.”
LMH officers are approachable and possess the ability to deescalate situations when needed. Several of the team members have over 25 years or more of law enforcement experience.
In order to maintain a safe environment, the officers work to establish good rapport with LMH staff. Staff members
know they can call on the officers and receive a quick resolution.
“Our police officers are unique. In addition to their primary duty to serve and protect, they often provide guidance and support to employees and visitors during some of their most challenging times. They are a trusted resource,” said Holly.
In addition to his police duties at LMH, Director of Police James Farmer offers employees active shooter training known as ALICE training – which stands for alert, lockdown, inform, counter, evacuate. The techniques taught empower employees to make good survival decisions should an attack occur. He has offered verbal judo classes to employees in the past as well. These training classes provide LMHS employees with skills and education to proactively manage situations.
| Posted On : 5/28/2020 11:05:18 AM