This week’s Safety & Security Corner shares information about Security’s weapons policy. As a reminder, if you see something, please say something. Staff should report safety concerns by telling a manager or calling Security at 617-732-6565. For non-urgent concerns, email BWHSafety@partners.org.

As part of BWH’s commitment to keeping the hospital safe, BWH Security prohibits anyone on hospital property from possessing a weapon, except for three categories: law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties, corrections officers at BWH escorting an inmate or a similar circumstance, and armored car staff members, who are transporting money. No one else—which includes employees, patients, families or visitors—should be armed at any time.

If you observe a patient, visitor or anyone else who is armed, immediately call Security at 617-732-6565. Please do not confront the individual; the BWH Security team will confront the person directly. A member of Security is in the best position to discuss the policy and secure the weapon, said Bob Donaghue, operations manager for Security and Parking.

Donaghue says that occasionally a patient will unknowingly visit the hospital with a legally licensed weapon. In those cases, Security and the Boston Police Department will secure the weapon while the patient is receiving care. Security will later return the weapon after the appointment and ask that the patient not bring it again.

“Someone who is legally licensed to carry a weapon may inadvertently bring it into the hospital,” said Donaghue. “It does not mean they are dangerous, but Security must engage with them, and they must comply with our policy.”