Added Security Staff To Be Implemented At NH Hospital; Department of Safety Seeking Vendor Proposals

CONCORD, N.H. – Today, the New Hampshire Department of Safety (DOS) announces the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for security guards at New Hampshire Hospital (NHH). The RFP is among the first steps to enhance security and address staffing needs to ensure the safety of all staff, patients, and visitors at the hospital.

The RFP, along with other forthcoming efforts to enhance security at NHH, are the result of security plan recommendations identified by DOS following a thorough assessment of existing protocols and systems, which was conducted at the direction of Governor Sununu following an active shooter event at NHH in November 2023.

“The safety of our employees and patients at New Hampshire Hospital is our number one priority,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “The collaborative work done by New Hampshire Hospital, state agencies, and stakeholders to implement improvements will go far in enhancing security at New Hampshire Hospital.”

DOS has worked closely with NHH and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), which operates NHH, to conduct a comprehensive assessment of NHH’s safety needs. The safety approach taken in a psychiatric facility such as NHH must be carefully calibrated to account for the needs of a highly vulnerable patient population. The model requires that all clinical interventions must be attempted and fail before any defensive measures may be used. The model commits to best practice informed by NHH clinicians and stakeholders, as well as guidance from national organizations responsible for patient safety.

The RFP, which seeks a vendor to provide security services for NHH in Concord, was formulated in conjunction with DHHS. Per statute, DOS oversees security at the facility.

Following the conclusion of the RFP process, the selected vendor will be tasked with providing contracted security guards, with professional certifications and training, who will patrol NHH 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year.

Contracted security guards will only carry firearms in the facility's main lobby while screening patients, staff and visitors at the hospital’s entrance, or while patrolling the grounds, unless an emergency requires otherwise. Additionally, contracted unarmed security guards may assist within units, and in all patient and non-patient areas of the hospital, when requested by clinicians.

All contracted security guards will be required to have training in de-escalation techniques, defensive tactics, and proper use of pepper spray and tasers. Contracted security guards may also be tasked with assisting officers from the State Office Complex Police Force, and New Hampshire State Police Troopers, who will continue to respond to all calls for service within NHH and the State Office Complex.

“I’m grateful for the collaborative work that has been done between the Division of State Police, State Office Complex Police Force, NHH and the Department of Health and Human Services relative to these security enhancements, which will help ensure the safety and security of everyone at NHH,” said Safety Commissioner Robert L. Quinn. 

A copy of the RFP can be viewed on the Statewide Bids and Proposals section of the Department of Administrative Services website.