Types of selected security devices for hospital pharmacies

Every pharmacist, whether in the hospital or in a community environment, faces the daily possibility of a holdup, burglary, or forged prescription. Statistics on drug-related crime are on the upswing as an increasing number of perpetrators recognize that wholesalers and hospitals are large depots of injectable narcotics and controlled substances. In response to this, many Federal drug crime laws and increased security have been proposed. This report identifies many types of security devices available to provide early warning or deter robberies. They include perimeter security systems, motion detectors, surveillance cameras, bullet-resistant windows, and key-lock systems. This report also suggests several considerations to be used in developing a security system in a hospital pharmacy. A basic understanding of security devices will enhance the manager's ability to choose the appropriate devices(s) for a particular service.