Sixteen Special State Police Officers Sworn in to Southcoast Health’s Division of Police and Public Safety

This month, 16 Massachusetts Special State Police Officers were ceremoniously sworn into the Southcoast Health Division of Police & Public Safety.

“Officers, thank you for choosing Southcoast Health and for taking on the responsibility of keeping our colleagues, patients, families and visitors safe,” said David McCready, President and CEO of Southcoast Health at the ceremony. “Healthcare organizations across the country have been facing increasing occurrences of violence, so preventing, de-escalating, and quickly responding to threats has never been more important. What you are doing for us is exceptional.”

Southcoast Health has utilized Special State Police Officers since 2020 as a proactive step to help prevent and respond to workplace violence, and to support all public safety needs in the hospitals. Based on the success of the program, a formal police department was established earlier this spring when Chief Marc Duphily was hired as the system’s first police chief.

“This is a historic event and an important milestone in our commitment to building a safer Southcoast Health. While we recognize the 16 officers being sworn in, this milestone reflects the work and commitment of our entire Division of Police & Public Safety. Hospital-based policing is unique in our region, and I am incredibly proud of our entire team and our continued commitment to workplace violence prevention and preparedness,” said Craig Forcina, Executive Director of the Southcoast Health Division of Police & Public Safety.  

The expansion of the Southcoast Health Division of Police & Public Safety reflects the organization’s continued commitment to maintaining a safe and healing environment for staff and the patients they care for. According to the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association, a worker in a Massachusetts hospital is subject to an act of violence or a threat about every 36 minutes.

“I want to thank Craig Forcina, the Southcoast Health Executive Leadership team, and the Board of Trustees for recognizing the need for this department in our community. With over 600 years of collective experience, each officer here understands the importance of public safety in fulfilling Southcoast Health’s mission,” said Marc Duphily, Police Chief for the Southcoast Health Division of Police & Public Safety. “We are here to enhance the work already being done, and many times that includes stepping out of our traditional roles as police officers and becoming ambassadors to patients and visitors.”