"In healthcare security, there are a lot of issues that weigh heavily on the security director's plate," says Michelman. "Hospitals are tough environments, with many potential vulnerabilities."
Since 1991, Michelman-along with a staff of 200, including several licensed police officers-has been responsible for maintaining a sense of safety and security in all areas. Managing patient population is one area of concern. It can be difficult, considering the patients have a range of physical and mental competencies. Hospitals also handle large numbers of narcotics, which need to be kept secure. Infants are also a high-risk population. Medical research and research conducted on animals is a sensitive issue, often inciting animal rights activists. So is women's health, for fear of pro-life radicals.