Officers from the Winnipeg police department will soon be patrolling the Health Sciences Centre.

The Health Sciences Centre (HSC) in Winnipeg, Manitoba's largest hospital and an academic teaching hospital, is set to see an increased police presence as part of a layered security response structure. This move comes in response to ongoing safety concerns and a series of security incidents, including sexual assaults, that have occurred at the hospital in recent years.

Background

Cooperation between the police and the healthcare system is not uncommon in managing special security challenges, such as violence or emergencies. While it is not unusual for police to be present in hospitals, particularly during major incidents or as crisis teams, a permanent stationing of police officers at the HSC is not yet known.

Typical Procedure

Police presence in hospitals usually occurs on an ad-hoc basis, such as during serious incidents where the safety of patients, staff, or visitors is at risk. Decisions about a temporary presence on site are typically made by the police leadership (usually a Divisional Commander or higher), often in consultation with hospital administration and public safety agencies. A permanent stationing of police officers within the building would require political decisions at the provincial or municipal level, but there is currently no public record of such plans.

Current Situation

As of December 2023, no specific event, order, or decision-maker has been publicly documented for a permanent or systematic stationing of Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) officers at the HSC. If a temporary police presence occurs, the decision likely lies with the Winnipeg Police Service, potentially in consultation with the hospital administration. A decision by the city council, the provincial government, or a higher authority for a permanent stationing has not been substantiated.

Security Measures

In addition to the potential police presence, the HSC has already implemented AI scanners to detect weapons for individuals entering the hospital since 2024. Furthermore, five new weapon-detection scanners are set to be installed at hospital entrances.

The Manitoba Health Minister, Uzoma Asagwara, has stated that this move aims to create a more secure and supportive environment for patients and staff. However, the story is still developing, and more information is expected to come.

This article is based on files provided by our website's Milan Lukes and Jeff Keele.