Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla, Wash., will add a dog to its security team this fall, according to an article on the Union-Bulletin website.
“An increasing number of hospitals across the nation are now using security dogs to detect contraband, deter violence and help address possible threats,” said Susan Leathers, St. Mary’s Safety, Security and Emergency Preparedness manager.
Leathers said the change is also part of a broader shift toward round-the-clock security at the facility.
In April, St. Mary completed the build out of its officer staffing with seven people who share the load of 24-hour, full-time security. Two officers overlap shifts during peak hours for the Emergency Department.
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