A hospital is paying for patrols from police community
support officers (CSOs) in a bid to improve security.
The Princess Royal Hospital in Telford
claims it is the first in the UK
to employ civilian officers. It says that having them will raise the profile of
security at the hospital, which can be an easy target for crime.
The CSOs, based in the accident
and emergency department, will replace security staff.
The four officers, who are being recruited and trained by
West Mercia Police, will deal with crime and also
give advice to staff and patients, including victims of assaults.
The officers, due to start work in the next few days, will
police the hospital both inside and outside and have been trained to calm
difficult situations.
