Memorial Hospital Police recognized as best in the state

SOUTH BEND, Ind -- Memorial Hospital is being recognized for its security police department as the best in the state.

The Memorial Police Department started five years ago with eight officers and has grown to 15.

Memorial is the only hospital with such a statewide designation, according to South Bend Memorial Captain Kevin Slaughter.

“Obtaining this designation raises the bar. It raises the bar for our hospital, it raises the bar for the hospitals all across the state of Indiana. I think it raises the bar for each individual officer," Slaughter said.

The goal of the police force is to offer a high standard of care for the well being of citizens but just in a hospital setting.

“Obtaining this designation raises the bar. It raises the bar for our hospital, it raises the bar for the hospitals all across the state of Indiana. I think it raises the bar for each individual officer," Slaughter said.

There will be more police added to the force, says Chief Slaughter.

Hospitals can have their own police force since a state law passed in 2013. The distinction comes from the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety.