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Episode Seven: Bryan Warren, President of Warsec Security
Episode Seven: Bryan Warren, President of Warsec Security
Episode synopsis
In this episode of "A Safer Shift," host Blake Lewkowitz speaks with Bryan Warren, President of Warsec Security, about the critical issue of workplace violence in healthcare. With over 36 years in the field, Bryan shares insights on the unique challenges of healthcare security and highlights the misconceptions surrounding hospital safety. He discusses recent legislative changes aimed at protecting healthcare workers and the importance of shifting the perception that violence is an acceptable risk. The conversation also touches on the role of technology in enhancing safety measures and fostering a culture of security. Tune in to learn how we can work together to create safer communities in healthcare environments.
Video transcript
Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: Welcome to "A Safer Shift," a talk series focused on creating safer communities featuring key leaders who can help us get there. My name is Blake Lewkowitz, and I'm joined today by Bryan Warren, President of Warsec Security. Welcome, Bob.
Bryan Warren: Hey, thanks, Blake! I really appreciate the invitation. Thanks so much for having me.
Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: Of course, and thank you again for joining us. Before we hop into your perspective on the trends in the healthcare environment, can you provide some background on your career and what you're trying to accomplish at Warsec?
Bryan Warren: Sure! This will be my 36th year in healthcare security. At Warsec, I work as a consultant to help others in healthcare security, safety, and emergency management understand the complexities of the healthcare industry. Security in healthcare is unique due to various factors, including regulatory and accreditation requirements, patient populations, and the types of issues that arise.
I've been with Warsec for nearly eight years now and have been consulting full-time for five years. There are still many opportunities for new security directors, especially those transitioning from other fields like private sector, public sector, or law enforcement. My goal is to educate them on the rules, regulations, standards, and best practices, as well as how to effectively communicate these to the C-suite, which can be a challenge for many.
Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: Understood. Thank you for that context. I’d like to focus a bit more on your time before Warsec. What was it like leading security and safety teams within a hospital network? Do you have any firsthand experiences or stories regarding violent incidents you had to deal with personally or as a team leader?
Bryan Warren: Oh boy, we could spend a lot of time on that, but I won't just share war stories. One analogy I often use involves off-duty and retired law enforcement officers who worked under me. Many would tell me after a few months on the job that they had no idea they'd be putting their hands on people this often. There’s a misconception that hospitals are quiet places where everyone is peaceful, and that’s not the case at all.
Workplace violence in healthcare is not new; it has existed for years, but it has gained significant attention in recent years. Factors like the pandemic brought out the worst in some people and highlighted issues that healthcare professionals face. Many clinical staff and direct patient care professionals have reached a breaking point, saying they’re tired of being threatened and assaulted.
Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: Thank you for that answer. It's insightful to hear your perspective. One piece you mentioned is the violence against nurses, caregivers, and clinicians. We often hear nurses say they expect violence when they go to work. As a security leader and now a consultant, what comes to mind when you hear those statements, and what should we focus on to protect those caring for and saving our lives?
Bryan Warren: That’s a great question. Unfortunately, many nurses have accepted violence as part of the job, especially in specialty units like emergency departments. An emergency department is a dynamic atmosphere, and people typically aren’t happy to be there, which can lead to heightened emotions.
I once had a risk manager respond to an incident where one of my officers was injured while calming a suspect by saying, “Well, that’s their job.” I argued that no one’s job is to be hurt on the job. Thankfully, there has been a shift in understanding that violence shouldn’t be accepted as part of the job.
Legislation is now starting to make assaults against healthcare workers felonies in many states, which is a positive change. The Joint Commission has also introduced workplace violence standards, showing that this is a global issue.
As people face pain and anxiety, their coping mechanisms can become strained, creating a perfect storm for conflict. The good news is that many are now recognizing this, and we are starting to take more responsibility for the consequences through legislation, regulatory standards, and advancements in policies, procedures, and technology. It is possible to create a safe patient care experience while protecting staff and patients.
Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: Perfect. You mentioned legislative and regulatory changes that are increasing the consequences for violence against caregivers. Are there any technologies you think could help reverse these trends or assist with the implementation of these changes?
Bryan Warren: Absolutely! I can share a story from when I first started as a healthcare security officer...
Bryan Warren: When I started in the job, I was handed a comically large key ring. Back then, access control relied on keys; we didn't have badge readers. Those were mainly used by the military, not in hospitals. I was also given a radio and instructed to keep it on channel one, and not to change it. Along with that, I was issued a nightstick—not a baton, but a genuine nightstick—and told to keep it in my belt, but never to use it. If I took it out, I would be fired, no matter the situation. I've never forgotten that.
We've come a long way, not only in the technology that helps detect and prevent workplace violence but also in the philosophy of how that technology can serve as a force multiplier for security and safety in healthcare environments.
There are so many different technologies now. For example, video technology has evolved dramatically. We moved from old black-and-white CCTV cameras to systems that allow you to switch between multiple cameras on the same monitor—an impressive leap back in the '80s and '90s. Now, we have video analytics that not only record but also provide detailed insights into incidents, which previously required hours of investigative work to analyze. I've spent countless hours reviewing footage, trying to find a grain of truth.
Technology has advanced significantly, particularly in defensive equipment, such as Axon’s taser devices, which have revolutionized our ability to safely stop an aggressive attacker from a distance. In healthcare, many encounters happen in small spaces, like treatment or waiting rooms, where there isn't much distance between the officer and the suspect. Often, you might have one officer facing off against a suspect who outweighs them by 50 or 60 pounds. Given these circumstances, there have been tremendous improvements in technology, enhancing the ability to create secure environments for both patients and staff.
Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: Absolutely, and you mentioned video technology. Axon has body-worn cameras that are being adopted in healthcare settings. We often hear concerns that the use of video cameras violates HIPAA regulations. What would you say to that, and what advice would you give to those evaluating this technology in light of HIPAA guidelines?
Bryan Warren: That’s a common misconception. There are unique regulations in healthcare, such as HIPAA and EMTALA, which are often misunderstood. Many people don't take the time to understand these concepts.
If you think about it, most hospitals already have fixed cameras installed throughout their buildings—in lobbies, emergency departments, and hallways, but not in areas where there's an expectation of privacy. A body-worn camera is essentially an extension of that capability, allowing for better video and audio capture right at the scene of an incident. It provides more detailed recordings than fixed cameras that might be far away or poorly lit.
The key is how you use, store, and share that data responsibly. The act of recording itself isn’t a HIPAA violation; it’s the handling of that data that can lead to issues. It’s crucial for security directors in healthcare to fully understand these legal aspects and to look at best practices from others in the field.
There's likely no problem in hospital security that someone else hasn't already solved. That's why networking and sharing information at events like this one are invaluable for healthcare security professionals.
Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: As we wrap up, given the focus of our series, “A Safer Shift,” what advice would you give our audience to enhance safety and security not only in healthcare environments but also in their communities?
Bryan Warren: First, it’s important to recognize that theory and practice are two entirely different things. It might sound great on paper, but you need to involve the people who will be doing the job in the discussions. When designing security measures, it’s crucial to get input from those who will be using the technology daily. They can provide insights into what works and what doesn’t.
Secondly, any technology implemented should enhance existing systems rather than replace them. Culture plays a significant role in this. If you invest in access control technology but allow staff to prop open doors without consequences, you’re wasting resources. It’s essential to align culture with technology before making any significant investments.
Finally, body-worn cameras enhance the ability to investigate incidents because the video doesn’t lie. It eliminates perceptual bias, offering a clearer picture of what occurred. Technologies like tasers can empower officers to safely de-escalate situations without resorting to more harmful methods.
Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: Thank you, Bob, for sharing your valuable insights and for your decades of service in healthcare security.
Bryan Warren: Thank you for having me, Blake. I appreciate Axon for continuously raising the bar and aligning technology as an innovative tool to enhance the protection of life. I’ve been very impressed with your efforts over the years. Keep up the great work!