Crime in hospitals 1995--the latest IAHSS survey

Overall crime in hospitals participating in the tenth annual IAHSS survey increased by 7% in 1995 versus 1994. On a per-hospital basis, five crime categories showed increases--murder, suicide, physical assault, sexual assault, and theft (except auto). Six categories showed decreases--robbery, arson, burglary, auto thefts, bomb threats, and vandalism. While crime in urban/suburban hospitals in 1995 leveled off after a sharp increase reported for 1994 over 1993, rural hospitals showed a 9% increase in crime in 1995 over the previous year. The 1995 crime rate was 11% higher than the preceding eight-year average, with physical assault 36% higher than the eight-year average, and sexual assault 88% higher on a per-hospital basis. Some 38 Tables and Graphs are included.