Many healthcare administrators have come to realize the professionalization of security staff is necessary if the institution is to survive in an increasingly competitive industry.
Physicians control and influence the direction healthcare institutions take.
Asset protection, risk management, safety and security are just a few of the titles applied to the department charged with looking after the well being of the personnel and property. Although these titles may differ, the basis remains the same. An organization cannot continue to operate without a constant monitoring of the company's assets. Though hospitals are big business, they have fallen behind other business entities concerning developing management policies and techniques for the non-medical functions, namely security services of the institution. Healthcare facilities pose special protection problems that are not normally encountered in other organizations.