Community Health Network launches police department

INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) — A police force of 60 officers has been sworn in to cover all sites of Community Health Network. The health system says the newly-created department’s officers have the authority to detain and arrest and will have its own investigative unit.

Officers were virtually sworn in by Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter.

“At Community, one of our highest priorities is ensuring the safety of our patients and our employees and that includes a strong focus on the security of our facilities,” said Community Health Network Executive Director of Safety and Security Kevin Mahan. “This addition to our security team will provide a greater ability to respond to security-related needs both on and off our hospital campuses.”

Community named former Greenfield Chief of Police John Jester as its chief. Indiana passed a law in 2013 allowing hospital organizations to create their own departments, with several already taking the step, including Community Hospital Anderson and Reid Health in Richmond.