The HealthCARE Collaborative for Justice: Participatory Research and Policy-Making to Guide Police Presence in Hospital Settings

• In Event: Ethics, Language, and Human Rights in Research, Policy, and Practice

Abstract

Research indicates that a lack of clear policies for law enforcement in hospitals often leads to mistrust in healthcare systems for victims of violence. This study documents the work of the HealthCARE Collaborative for Justice (HCCJ) in participatory policymaking to improve multi-system coordination in hospitals. Georgetown Law's Center for Innovations in Community Safety (CICS) partnered with MedStar Washington Hospital Center and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to improve law enforcement interactions with hospital staff and victims of violence in emergency rooms. CICS facilitated a participatory policymaking process over the course of three years, obtaining feedback through interviews and focus groups along the way. From this work, HCCJ collaboratively established a set of model policies. CICS has also developed a pilot training program for hospital and law enforcement staff to be aware of the policies and provide strategies for compliance and intervention to prevent harm. Lessons learned from engaging a range of stakeholders to develop policies will be presented, as well as tool-kit takeaways demonstrating how this model can serve HVIPS nationwide.Clear policies on law enforcement presence in hospitals can enhance patient trust and safety. This model serves as a replicable framework for hospitals nationwide to balance security with equitable care.

Authors

• Cassandra Ramdath, Center for Innovations in Community Safety (Georgetown Law)

• Lucia Mock, Center for Innovations in Community Safety (Georgetown Law)

• Tyler Bates, Center for Innovations in Community Safety (Georgetown Law)