Special report. Increased violence in hospitals: what can be done about it

Incidents of violent behavior and physical assaults are dramatically increasing throughout the country, often ending up in the health care setting and necessitating enhanced security in hospitals and mental health facilities. In the wake of violence, many security and safety directors are now employing extreme measures from attack dogs to metal detectors to bulletproof glass. This special report details recent violent episodes occurring in health care facilities, examines areas of vulnerability in these institutions, and offers advice on proactive and reactive security measures that are being employed by many security directors.