Chapter 7 - Security Force Administration

Abstract

The vice president, director, manager, or coordinator of the healthcare protection program is the single most important person in terms of determining program outcomes. This statement does not infer that the person charged with the responsibility to manage the program can do the job alone. There must be administrative support as well as buy-in from other organizational leaders, line supervisors, and obviously the security personnel themselves. The success of the security program, however, is largely the responsibility of the security management team and a direct reflection of their experience, leadership, responsiveness, and commitment to protection and customer service. If these qualities are not found at the top, they are likely absent in the security staff. A common element of healthcare security programs is the utilization of physical security staff as a major component of the protection system. The development and preparation of the organization security force administrative plan are the basis for utilization of security staffing. The various elements or components of the plan must be addressed regardless of an in-house (proprietary) employment model or the use of outsourced personnel. A major task is selecting and retaining the best candidates to fill the security department's staffing complement and to implement sound management practices to achieve superior officer service. The three major operational components of the security force are thus management, supervision, and security officers.