University of Kentucky Police Department Highlights Health Care Security History
LEXINGTON, Ky. July 9 2022 For nearly two decades, the University of Kentucky Police Department (UKPD) has provided security for the UK HealthCare system, growing alongside its new facilities across Lexington.
What started with nearly 20 officers working at Albert B. Chandler Hospital has expanded to include approximately 100 security officers overseeing security also for Good Samaritan Hospital (since 2010) and Eastern State Hospital (since 2015).
“The biggest change I have seen during my tenure in UK HealthCare security operations is the growth,” said Lt. Greg Hall, who started in health care security in 1987 and joined the police operations in 1988. “I began my career in law enforcement as a health care security officer, and to this day, we can see how important it is for future sworn law enforcement officers for our police operations.”
UK HealthCare security officers undergo several types of training, including the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) certification process.
“I love helping the community when they visit a UK HealthCare facility,” said Senior Security Supervisor Ron Williams. “I enjoy building relationships with patients and health care employees. As an officer, you see the health care side of operations that others often don’t, and in our roles we’re able to communicate and provide a sense of security in certain situations.”
Today, the UKPD health care security team continues to grow, providing safe escorts, responding to calls for assistant and providing security at special events on campus. Additionally, a bike patrol unit also aids in providing customer service to our community by monitoring the grounds outside of the health care facilities.
In the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, UKPD security operations provided N-95 fit testing to ensure respirators were properly fitted and that individuals were adequately protected from the virus.
“Our health care security team is a crucial division that helps keep our campus and the broader community safe,” UK Police Chief Joe Monroe. “I am grateful for their service to the university and the patients we serve across the UK HealthCare system.”
