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One of the first editions of this newsletter contained an article about Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, California. We wanted to do a story on this hospital because they were using canines as part of their security program. We decided to speak with their Security Manager, Bee O'Neil to see if they were still using canine patrols and how the program was doing.
Huntington Hospital is still using canines as part of their overall security program. Bee O'Neil indicates that the program is effective and popular with the clinical staff. Although his officers are armed with pepper spray and side handle batons, they do not carry firearms. Because the primary role of a security officer is deterrence and prevention, Bee believes a dog and handler provide much more deterrence than an officer with a firearm.
Since their use of dogs began, emergency department security incidents have dropped and gang activity has virtually been eliminated. In the past 7 years they have had no accidental bites. However this program is not inexpensive. The acquisition of a properly trained dog and handler with the appropriate training costs can range as high as $10,000 per dog and handler.
The officer and dog is primarily used on the second and third shift, primarily confined to exterior patrols. The officer and dog do go inside the hospital primarily when responding to calls.
The use of canines is not for every hospital, but it works well for Huntington. If you wish further information, contact Bee O'Neil at bee.oneil@schs.com.
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