Deaconess Bolsters Security With Hiring of Local Law Enforcement

Deaconess Memorial has hired a handful of local law enforcement officers as part of its broader plan to combat workplace violence and bolster security. 

Last month, Ferdinand’s Police Chief, Kerri Blessinger, announced her resignation. Not long after, Jasper Police Chief Nathan Schmitt announced his retirement from the JPD. Both law enforcement veterans have accepted patrolman positions with Deaconess. The medical facility maintains its own police force, which is becoming more common in the private sector as populations grow and security needs increase. The change comes on the heels of a July 9 th meeting when Nathan Schmitt said of the city he serves, “It’s not Mayberry anymore.” His comments highlight that while Dubois County’s continued growth is positive in many ways, there are inherent safety concerns that come with it. 

In February, Jasper’s Memorial Hospital became an affiliate of Evansville-based Deaconess. WITZ spoke with Chance Farmer, Deaconess Chief of Police and Director of Health System Security, about the advantages of having qualified law enforcement on-site. Farmer, whose wife is also a nurse who has experienced workplace violence, agreed with the suggestion that hospital staff and patient security is of the utmost importance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 70% of workplace violence incidents occur in a healthcare setting. Farmer said, “We’ve seen the benefits in the clinical staff being able to call us and get us involved in it early.” He explained that having trained law enforcement professionals on site reduces workplace violence and eases the burden on city police, who can then respond to other needs within the community. Of the Blessinger, Schmitt, and other local hires, Farmer made a point of saying “they’re still going to be…doing a community service, just at the hospital…which eliminates the strain of having to call the government agency…to respond to the hospital over and over again.” The Deaconess Police force is regulated by the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board and is trained for arrests, emergencies, and detention or medical intervention scenarios. Farmer also said that early intervention is particularly effective when a police force has an intimate understanding of the hospital setting. He noted that “coming at it with some understanding and some compassion is critical.” 

With organizations like Deaconess drawing seasoned officers into the private sector, officer retention for local police departments have proven to be a challenge. As of last week, the City of Jasper is accepting applications for a new Police Chief and three additional open positions within the department. With Blessinger’s departure, Assistant Chief Robert Randle will become Ferdinand’s new Chief of Police, effective November 19. This leaves the department with three open vacancies to fill. When questioned about his thoughts on the security needs of a private sector organization like Deaconess, Randle explained that having trained law enforcement staff can be very effective in deterring and de-escalating potentially violent situations. He said this is even more true in environments like schools and hospitals. Randall clearly articulated his desire to serve the people, saying, “I think people just want to feel safe in today’s world.”  

When asked for comment, all three police departments quickly responded. Numerous sources inside each department pointed to the small pool of qualified Southern Indiana law enforcement professionals. The joint conclusion was clear. Trained officers and strong collaboration between departments is essential in keeping medical staff, patients, law enforcement, and the public secure.  

- By Drew Hasselbring